Multi-Agency “Operation Gridlock” Results in 32 Arrests, Confiscation of 59 Firearms in Fresno County
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The Fresno Police Department has revealed the details of a nearly year-long multi-agency investigative and enforcement operation aimed at reducing gang crime and violence in the community. Authorities made numerous arrests and confiscated significant amounts of evidence.
According to a press release by the Fresno Police Department, Operation Gridlock is one of the largest investigative operations undertaken in Fresno’s history. The operation began in the Fall of 2023 due to ongoing gang violence in the community.
The investigation included officers, detectives, and analysts from eleven local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. These agencies collaborated to focus on multiple gangs involved in violent crimes, including murder, shootings, illegal narcotics sales, illegal weapons sales, and human trafficking.
The enforcement phase of the operation took place on Thursday, May 16, and involved over 800 personnel from 28 different local, state, and federal agencies. During this phase, authorities served 48 search warrants and 32 arrest warrants. 32 suspects were arrested.
The charges against these suspects reportedly included assault with a deadly weapon, illegal firearm possession and trafficking, narcotic sales, and human trafficking. Of the 32 arrested, 28 are facing state charges, while four are facing federal charges.
A total of 59 firearms were also seized.
The agencies involved in Operation Gridlock included the Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, Clovis Police Department, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), Fresno County District Attorney, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Attorney’s Office, California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and California Highway Patrol.
Other involved entities included the Fresno County DA Special Response Team (SRT), Adult Compliance Team, Kings County Sheriff’s Department, Hanford Police Department, Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Porterville Police Department, Madera Regional SWAT, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), US Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, and the California Army National Guard Counter Drug Taskforce.
Operation Gridlock marks a significant step in combating crime in the region. With the arrests of 32 suspects and the confiscation of 59 firearms, the operation underscores law enforcement and community dedication to making Fresno a safer community for all.
The planning and execution of the operation required the substantial mobilization of resources and personnel from various jurisdictions. The success of the operation highlights the vital role of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies in addressing ongoing criminal activity.
