Los Angeles: On October 23, 2003, at about 7:00 p.m., 77th Area Gang Enforcement officers and Narcotic Officers assisted by several hundred officers from across the City, served search and arrest warrants at 29 locations seeking 19 suspects.

This intensive investigation was initiated as a result of the fatal shootings on September 10, 2003, near 54th Street and Normandie Avenue of 15 year-old Quinesha Dunford and 13 year-old Demario Moore. While suspects responsible for their killings are in custody and awaiting trial, gang members in the area continued their deadly assaults and illegal narcotic sales. These gang members were targeted for investigation by the 77th Area Gang impact Team. Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton initiated area Gang Impact Teams throughout the City in the spring of 2003.

The area focused in the operation is between the Harbor Freeway and Halldale Avenue and 48th Street and Slauson Avenue. This evening’s operation will not be finalized for many hours. Even then, there will be suspects who are not apprehended and additional investigation will certainly result from evidence recovered this evening and information gleaned from the operation.

Additional information will not be released this evening until detectives have the opportunity to complete their investigation. The results of this evening’s efforts will be reported during the next few days when the information has been finalized.

Anyone with information regarding any gang or narcotic activities in this area is urge to contact 77th Area Police Station, at 213-485-4164. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.