LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) —
Police on Friday arrested three teens suspected of killing two people and wounding 10 others in a rash of shootings in a Southern California city.
Police in Long Beach said the 16- and 17-year-old gang members are suspected of carrying out seven shootings since November.
Two of the teens are being investigated for murder and attempted murder, and the third is being investigated for attempted murder, the agency said.
“It is unacceptable that we have 16- and 17-year-olds who are being recruited into the gang lifestyle and choosing to terrorize, injure or end the lives of others,” Police Chief Robert Luna told reporters.
Authorities searched two dozen locations in the operation and seized five handguns, a rifle and at least three pounds of methamphetamine.
Ten adults were arrested in connection with other crimes such as unlawful possession of a firearm, police said.
Luna declined to state the name of the gang. He said the case will be referred to the district attorney's office.
The operation was carried out with assistance from agencies including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The port city of 470,000 people is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles.
