100 Arrested in Massive NorCal Investigation

More than 100 people were recently arrested across several Northern California counties in a large-scale law enforcement operation involving federal, state and local officials, authorities said Friday.

The investigation, which included officials from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with state and local law enforcement, led to the seizure of firearms, stolen vehicles and narcotics along with the 100-plus arrests.

Some of the arrests were in Santa Cruz County. Other arrests were made in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Benito and Monterey counties, authorities said.

Several arrests were made in Watsonville, some before 7 a.m., the Register Pajaronian newspaper reported. A woman was arrested in a Honda sedan at the Foamy Car Wash and her car was searched, according to the newspaper.

State Attorney General Kamala Harris will hold a press conference in Gilroy on Friday afternoon, at which time more information about the operation will be released. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeffrey Rosen, Gilroy police Chief Denise Turner, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Stretch, ATF Special Agent in Charge Stephen Herkinsand California Highway Patrol Chief Keith Dittimus are expected to attend.          

The news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Gilroy's City Council chambers at 7351 Rosanna St., Gilroy.

—Bay City News Service