Gang enforcement task force nets arrests
Madera Police Department
Handguns confiscated during a weekend gang enforcement sweep. Police efforts will continue throughout the year, according to the Madera Police Department.
Two felons with guns were arrested during a weekend gang enforcement sweep that will continue throughout the remainder of the year, according to the Madera Police Department.
Officers arrested Carlos Vasquez Jr. and Marcus Soliz, both 27 and of Madera, at a traffic stop about 4:45 Saturday morning near Lake and Ellis Streets. Both men are convicted felons and were charged with felons being in possession of loaded firearms. Vasquez was additionally charged with interfering with an officer at the scene. Both remain in jail. Soliz is being held on $100,000 bond, and Vasquez $35,000, according to records.
Sgt. Mark Trukki said the year-end holiday period seems to typically bring an increase in gang crime and activities. “And where you find gangs you find drugs, guns and other illegal activities.” Trukki said. “We are adding extra officers and extra shifts all targeting gang activity ... all the way through to the end of the year.”
Officers patrolling the streets say they continually strive to put crime reduction, community safety, and livability at the forefront of everything they do.
Trukki also encouraged residents to report any suspected illegal activities to the non emergency number for police dispatchers at 675-4220, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “It’s the old phrase ‘see something, say something’, but it works. We depend on information from the public to gather information and to know what is happening in neighborhoods, and to help keep Madera safe,” Trukki said.
