FRESNO - Tuesday evening Fresno Police Officers Officers Jason Laird and Officer Jesus Torres from the Southwest Patrol District were assigned as a Proactive Patrol Unit. These officers choose to work a known gang area and wanted to suppress gang violence with proactive policing. Within an hour of starting their shift they spotted a vehicle code violation and initiated a traffic stop. During the traffic stop they contacted 27-year old, Luis Gomez. Gomez is a self-admitted West Fresno Norteno Gang Member Associate.
West Fresno Norteno (WFN) is a known and violent street gang in Fresno. During the traffic stop the officers discovered that Gomez was on active felony probation for Carrying a Concealed Firearm. The Officers also saw prior arrest on Gomez’ record which indicated he had a history of possessing firearms. The officers contacted the Southwest District Special Response Team and conducted a probation search of Gomez’ home. The officers found a stolen bolt action .30-06 caliber rifle and a .45 caliber Ruger Handgun. Gomez was arrested for possession of the stolen rifle, and the Ruger handgun, as well as a probation Violation.
Officers Laird and Torres removed two firearms from the streets of Fresno and the hands of an associate to an extremely violent street gang. Officers Laird and Torres continue to show their dedication to the citizens of Southwest Fresno, with yet another arrest and seizure of a firearm. Southwest District Officers continually show their dedication in bettering our Southwest Community and with 70 firearms recovered by Southwest District Officers this year, the commitment and lean forward approach is effectively growing.
The Fresno Police Department would like to remind the public that Crime Stoppers has enhanced the rewards for information related to gang members who are involved in narcotic sales, firearm possession, and human trafficking. The new campaign consists of the following monetary rewards for anonymous tips. If a gang member is arrested for possessing a handgun, the reward is $2,000. If a gang member is arrested for possessing an assault rifle, the reward is $3,000. If a gang member is arrested for human trafficking, the reward is $3,000 and if a gang member is involved in drug sales, the reward is $1,000. Anyone with information is urged to call crime stoppers at (559)-498-STOP (7869) with information. Your information is kept confidential.
