Hemet police said Tuesday that they had arrested 16 people while serving search warrants at dozens of locations as part of an investigation into recent attacks against police and city property.
A Riverside County task ***** of local, state and federal officers took the suspects into custody after raiding about 35 locations and seizing 16 firearms, along with other evidence, officials said.
Hemet City Manager Brian Nakamura said authorities had not made positive connections yet between the suspects and the recent attacks. But he added that authorities expected to file charges.
"We've apprehended the individuals we believe are related to this crime," Nakamura said.
In recent months, the attacks have involved booby traps set at the headquarters of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Gang Task *****, officials said. In December, a gas utility line was redirected to fill the offices with gas. Officials said a spark could have triggered a devastating explosion.
In February, a "zip ***" was hidden near the gate to the task ***** office and rigged to fire. When a gang officer opened the gate, the weapon went off; the bullet narrowly missed him, authorities said.
In early March, police said, a "dangerous" device was found near the unmarked car of a task ***** member. That was followed by an arson ****** on several city trucks March 23.
