FBI announces arrests of eight violent suspected East Bay gang members

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- Contra Costa County law enforcement officials along with the FBI announced the arrests of suspected violent gang members.

Contra Costa County law enforcement officials along with the FBI say they arrested eight suspected gang members as part of Operation Klap it Out - named after the Gang the operation targeted.

"These arrests mark a successful and significant disruption of a violent neighborhood gang whose associates have allegedly committed serious criminal acts including burglaries, shootings in public areas, pimping across the state of California and murder which includes the shooting death of an innocent bystander," said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

Multiple law enforcement agencies served 11 search warrants in the county in late October. They recovered guns, drugs and gang paraphernalia.

"The take down is exactly what the FBI safe streets is all about. It is dismantling, disrupting and putting dark these groups that are determined to do violence in these communities," said FBI Special Agent in Charge John Bennett.

This past August, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force also announced the arrests of a violent Richmond Street Gang called the Swerve Team.

In May, the same task force announced cameras on Bay Area Freeways following multiple highway shootings.

"The cameras and the technology did help in the course of this investigation. The individuals that were arrested have not been charged with any of the shootings that occurred on the freeway," said Chief Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington.

Officials say 2018 will be an even bigger year.

"These gangs need to start looking over their shoulders," said Bennett.

A preliminary hearing is underway for the eight men who were arrested.