A 2-year sheriff’s investigation has revealed a criminal crew operated by Rancho Cucamonga high school students who have been committing several crimes ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to burglary, San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said.
The investigation led to several search warrants being served Thursday, Nov. 2; the arrests of two 17-year-old boys on suspicion of burglary, conspiracy and gang enhancements; and evidence expected to be used in several unsolved cases in Rancho Cucamonga, according to a sheriff’s news release.
The teens’ names weren’t provided because of their age.
Over the past two years, the investigators noticed that the same teens were being arrested in various crimes, including assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, vehicle burglary and grand theft, officials said.
Detectives soon realized the teens had developed into a criminal crew and could possibly develop into a full-fledged gang.
“There’s no connection to the larger scale criminal street gangs,” Deputy Jacob Bailey said in an email. “This ‘gang’ is more like a ‘crew’ that are trying to develop.”
Working with school resource officers and by using social media, detectives located and identified crew members. Members, the release said, had posted pictures holding firearms, drugs and money and posted statements about robbing residents and selling stolen property on smartphone apps.
Authorities warn parents to be aware of their children’s online activity, as that can give them a glimpse into possible criminal activity.
“I recommend parents keep tabs on their children’s social media platforms and continue to educate themselves in the new social media platforms that pop up,” Bailey said. “Electronics and, in particular, smartphones are the gateways to what is occurring in your child’s life. Just because your child has a smartphone does not mean the content on that phone is private.”
Authorities ask that anyone with information on these crimes to call at 909-477-2800. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or may leave information on the We-Tip web site at www.wetip.com.
