Oakland, California - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the takedown of an Oakland area criminal organization, including the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of 36 weapons.

The investigation, named 69th Avenue Village, represents the culmination of a five month long, joint operation with California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Units, California Highway Patrol and Oakland Police Department.

“We are committed to dismantling violent street gangs terrorizing our communities,” said Attorney General Harris. “I want to thank our Department of Justice agents, California Highway Patrol and the Oakland Police Department for their work to keep our communities safe.”

“We are relieved to have built cases on these violent individuals,” Oakland Police Department Chief Sean Whent said. “This extensive investigation was made possible because of the continued commitment of our partner agencies. We understand we have much more work to do and we are dedicated to our role in creating a safer Oakland.”

Operation 69th Avenue Village began in November 2014 with a request for assistance from the Oakland Police Department in investigating two of East Oakland’s violent rival gangs, the 65th Avenue Village Gang and the 69th Avenue Village Gang.  Over the past 15 years, these gangs have been involved in violent acts including robberies, home invasions and homicides.

Today’s joint investigation resulted in 22 search warrants served, including probation and parole searches.  In addition, law enforcement arrested 16 gang members and associates, and seized 36 weapons over the course of the operation. The members were charged with criminal conspiracy, gang enhancements, weapons violations, attempted murder, assault, and probation and parole violations and will be prosecuted by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

In 2014, Attorney General Kamala D. Harris worked with the Legislature and Governor Brown’s administration to secure $9.4 million for California DOJ Bureau of Investigation’s SOU teams. These unique and essential teams use the latest technology and advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state. 

Over the past four years, California Department of Justice special agents have seized over $200 million in cash, 10,000 kilos of cocaine, 12,000 pounds of methamphetamine, and taken nearly 12,000 illegal guns off the streets in California.