Division of Law Enforcement

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Long Beach, California on Friday, April 26 2024, at approximately 8:00 PM. The OIS incident resulted in  the death of one individual.  

Following the OIS, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents. 

COSTA MESA – California Attorney General Bonta today announced that Luis Mendez Jr. was found guilty of six felony violations and is facing up to 24 years in prison after an investigation conducted by California Department of Justice's (DOJ) California Police Shooting Investigation Team (CaPSIT). In 2022, special agents from DOJ’s Bureau of Firearms (BOF), assisted by Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) officers, attempted to arrest Mendez after he was identified in the Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS) as being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence and an active misdemeanor arrest warrant. During the execution of a search warrant, Mendez began to shoot at special agents from BOF, which led to a more than eight-hour standoff with DOJ and CMPD. The Orange County District Attorney led the prosecution that resulted in a guilty verdict. 

“I want to thank our incredible agents and California Police Shooting Investigation Team for all their hard work on this case,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Each and every day, special agents from the California Department of Justice put their lives on the line to take illegal firearms off our streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Thankfully, justice was served in this case and I am incredibly relieved that nobody was hurt during this incident.”

“Violence against our sworn protectors is unacceptable,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “We as a society must send a strong message that we will not tolerate anyone firing on our law enforcement officers and that an attack on law enforcement is an attack on us all. I want to thank Attorney General Bonta for his leadership and the Bureau of Firearms and the Costa Mesa Police Department for their work in successfully – and safely – getting this violent felon into custody without anyone being injured or killed.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at approximately 10:30 a.m., CMPD assisted special agents from DOJ with a warrant service in the 1700 block of Monrovia Avenue. The special agents had a search warrant to seize Mendez’s weapons and attempted to serve that warrant when Mendez discharged a firearm. The special agents and officers retreated and deployed an unmanned aircraft system. Again, Mendez discharged a firearm in the direction of the agents. After more than eight hours of negotiations, Mendez surrendered and was placed under arrest with no injuries sustained by law enforcement or Mendez. Officers recovered a rifle, a shotgun, and multiple handguns at the scene. 

Mendez has been charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, one count of resisting and deterring an executive officer, one count possession of a firearm by misdemeanant with prior conviction, one count of possession of ammunition by prohibited person, and one count of possession of a short-barrel shotgun. 

Our previous press release on this case can be found here.

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Daniel Elena Lopez and bystander Valentina Orellana Peralta’s death from an officer involved shooting in North Hollywood, California, on December 23, 2021, involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. DOJ urges the department to recognize the important lessons to be learned from this incident and to make critical policy and practice improvements related to the incident.

"This case was a particularly challenging one to process as this involved the loss of two lives,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Any loss of life is a tragedy, and my heart goes out especially to the family of Valentina Orellana Peralta, who tragically lost her life and whose only involvement in this incident was by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together with all law enforcement partners to ensure an unbiased, transparent, and accountable legal system for every resident of California. AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool, and our hope for this report is to provide some understanding and aid in advancing towards a safer California for all.”

On December 23, 2021, LAPD responded to a report of an active shooter at Burlington Coat Factory. Officers found a victim covered in blood and Mr. Elena Lopez was next to her with an object in his hand and another object which he used as a shield. An officer fatally shot Mr. Elena Lopez and one of the rounds struck the floor and changed direction, entering the wall of a fitting room, and striking and killing 14-year-old bystander Valentina Orellana Peralta. Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.   

DOJ has identified the following recommendation as a part of its investigation to help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future:

• Improve lines of communication in response to Immediate Action and Rapid Deployment scenarios: LAPD should consider updating their communication training bulletin and any related training to account for the type of situation presented during this event.

 A copy of the report can be found here.

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, together with local and federal law enforcement partners, received a briefing on fentanyl trafficking and toured the California-Mexico border. Over the last four years, seizures of fentanyl at the California’s border with Mexico have skyrocketed, from 4,790 pounds in 2020 to 27,000 pounds in 2023. During this time frame, between 47 and 61% of all fentanyl seized at the Southwest border was seized at California Ports of Entry. The California and Arizona portions of the border account for 87% of fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. Border. This increase in fentanyl has had devastating consequences. The fentanyl epidemic is driving a recent surge of drug overdose deaths in the United States; in San Diego alone, there has been a 2,375% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths over the past 5 years.  The California Department of Justice’s Fentanyl Enforcement Program, created by the Attorney General, has been working to interrupt networks of drug traffickers. As of March 2024, the California Department of Justice has seized a total of 11,629,902 fentanyl pills, 3,392 pounds of fentanyl powder and have arrested 280 suspects on fentanyl related charges. 

“Today, I want to remind Californians that our work won’t stop until the deaths from illicit fentanyl do,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “We will continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement wherever possible. We’ll investigate traffickers, disrupt trafficking networks, and continue to prevent overdose deaths by interdicting illicit fentanyl. Those who bring this poison into the state can expect to be prosecuted and held accountable for the death and devastation they’ve caused. We are extremely thankful to all our law enforcement partners standing on the frontlines of this epidemic.”  

“Fentanyl is everywhere and it is killing people,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “We are relentlessly prosecuting the cartel leaders, chemical suppliers, smugglers, distributors and dealers of this poison. Our message is clear: If you are dealing this death pill in San Diego, you will be dealing with us.”

"The San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA is honored to host California Attorney General Bonta and his leadership team as they meet with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to address the surge in Fentanyl seizures along the California Southwest Border," said HIDTA Director David King. "The California Department of Justice/Bureau of Investigation is committed to providing personnel and resources to HIDTA task forces specifically designed to investigate and prosecute those transnational criminal organizations responsible for trafficking fentanyl and profiting from the epidemic of overdose deaths in the State of California. The Office of National Drug Control Policy stands ready to provide financial resources to the 24 federal, state and local agencies in the San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA as they strive to save lives and protect the public from violent crime and the scourge of drug addiction in our communities."

"The epidemic of fentanyl and other illicit synthetic drugs poses a serious threat to public safety," said Sidney K. Aki, Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office. "The alarming increase in fentanyl seizures over the past four years underscores the urgent need for cooperation with our partner agencies to disrupt this deadly flow. By working together, we can stem the tide of fentanyl and protect our communities from these dangerous drugs.”

In 2022, and in response to the fentanyl epidemic, the California Legislature and the Governor approved appropriation for the creation of the California Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Investigation’s (BI) Fentanyl Enforcement Program (FEP). FEP works with local and federal law enforcement partners throughout the state to address the fentanyl crisis and get these dangerous drugs off California’s streets. The program is comprised of BI regional investigative teams placed in San Diego, Los Angeles, Dublin, and Sacramento. A Special Agent in Charge serves as the program manager and each team has a Special Agent Supervisor, five Special Agents, a Staff Services Analyst and a Crime Analyst I. Through collaboration with existing BI Task Forces, the FEP targets major fentanyl-trafficking criminal networks. The program leverages existing BI Task Forces and local and federal law enforcement partnerships to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle these criminal networks. BI has the unique expertise, state-wide perspective, and vertical prosecution model to impact fentanyl-trafficking criminal networks.

Another task force that focuses on the fentanyl epidemic is HSI San Diego FAST. This task force is comprised of state, local and federal partners and was first established in August 2022 focusing on the disruption and dismantlement of criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County. HSI’s FAST targets fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks to counter the rising overdose rate and decrease the availability and accessibility of fentanyl.

The most recent fentanyl related enforcement actions can be read about here:

• February 2024: Announced a joint operation in San Diego County resulted in the felony arrest of a suspect and the seizure of 720,000 fentanyl pills.
• January 2024: Announced that the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Fentanyl Enforcement Program arrested and filed charges against three drug traffickers alleged to be responsible for bringing 30,000 fentanyl pills across the Mexico and California border.
• October 2023: Announced the arrest of a suspect in Placer County for providing a lethal dose of fentanyl that killed a Rocklin father in July of 2023.
• October 2023: Announced the sentencing of Nathaniel Cabacungan for the June 2022 homicide of J. Wolf, a 15-year-old female from Roseville. Cabacungan, a 20-year-old Roseville resident, supplied Wolf with fake M-30 pills that resulted in her fentanyl overdose death.
• October 2023: Announced the results of a multiagency effort — “Operation Safe Harbor” — targeting a violent criminal street organization in Los Angeles. Members of the organized criminal group were allegedly operating a statewide narcotics and firearm trafficking network throughout California and responsible for a number of violent acts.
• September 2023: Announced the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of more than 45 pounds of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, in Fresno County.
• September 2023: Announced a joint operation in Fresno County resulting in the felony arrest of a suspect and the seizure of more than 150 pounds of narcotics, including 485,000 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone and 45 pounds of cocaine.
• August 2023: Announced the felony arrests of two suspected narcotic traffickers and the seizure of various illicit drugs including fentanyl, as well as illegal handguns, and large amounts of cash in Placer County.

 
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Shane Holland's death from an officer involved shooting in Adelanto, California, on June 21, 2022, involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. However, DOJ recognizes the important lessons to be learned from this incident. As required by AB 1506, the Attorney General has issued specific policy and practice recommendations related to the incident.

"The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together with all law enforcement partners to ensure an unbiased, transparent, and accountable legal system for every resident of California," said Attorney General Bonta. “AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool, and our hope for this report is to provide some understanding and aid in advancing towards a safer California for all. Loss of life is always a tragedy. We acknowledge that this incident posed challenges for all parties involved, including Mr. Holland’s family, law enforcement, and the community.”

On June 21, 2022, a SBCSD deputy conducted a vehicle stop on a Ford Explorer that Mr. Holland was a passenger in because the deputy could not see the vehicle’s rear license plate because it lacked reflective coating. Mr. Holland was shot by a deputy after a foot pursuit at around 2:53 am, and he died on scene. Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the deputy involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the deputy. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.  

As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified several policy recommendations that it believes will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. These recommendations include: 

1. FOOT PURSUIT POLICY
To reduce risks of physical harm to deputies and members of the public, SBCSD should develop a foot pursuit policy that includes the criteria a deputy should consider in deciding whether to pursue a person on foot, and when to abandon a pursuit.

2. POLICY ON TRAFFIC STOPS FOR MINOR OFFENSES
While it is critical that deputies have discretion to initiate stops, deputies should exercise that discretion in a manner that promotes deputy safety and prioritizes addressing criminal and traffic violations that have an impact on public safety. Given the potential risks to the deputy and public safety, SBCSD should consider and delineate the factors and circumstances (time of day, location for the stop, etc.) when deputies should consider when to initiate stops for minor traffic offenses. 

3. BACKUP OR PARTNERS DURING CERTAIN STOPS
SBCSD can use crime and stop data to identify specific shifts or neighborhoods that could benefit from either two-deputy units or a requirement that stops may only be conducted with backup present, with exceptions.

4. BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY
DOJ recommends that SBCSD should revise its polices to include best practices, including requirements for when deputies should activate their cameras and when deputies can review footage.

A copy of the report can be found here.

SAN DIEGO – As part of a joint investigation through the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF), California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of Operation Better Pathways. The multi-jurisdictional operation, which concluded earlier this month, is part of a broader, regional effort to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation through targeted enforcement, relying both on surveillance of known locations and officers working undercover. As a result of the multi-day operation, 46 individuals were arrested for alleged human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other criminal offenses and 20 individuals — including seven children — were offered support services. The arrests have been referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for potential criminal prosecution.

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Through Operation Better Pathways, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors with support and services. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how the implementation of public safety measures can effectively intervene in breaking the cycle of violence and abuse. It also sends a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We are grateful to all our dedicated partners involved in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration has been invaluable. We take great pride in our office's commitment to uplifting vulnerable Californians by offering them assistance and guidance when they need it most. By working together, we have achieved tangible results that make a difference in people's lives. The California Department of Justice is always prepared to step up and advocate for public safety.”

“We are dedicated to working with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Justice to ensure we are holding traffickers accountable and seeking justice for victims,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Together, we are making San Diego’s community safer while sending a clear message to those who try to exploit the vulnerable: Not in our city.”

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is always proud to partner and work alongside the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force in efforts to address and combat human trafficking,” said Christepher Davis, acting special agent in charge for Homeland San Diego. “When law enforcement agencies collectively work together during operations like Operation Better Pathways, we are able to cast a wider net focusing on rescuing victims and apprehending perpetrators.”

“While Operation Better Pathways has been successful in capturing those who prey on the most vulnerable, the results also remind us that we must remain vigilant in our fight against human trafficking,” said San Diego Chief of Police David Nisleit. “Protecting our community from sexual predators requires the continued cooperation and commitment from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. Our work is just beginning.”

“Predators who target the most vulnerable in our community need to know we are going to be relentless in our efforts to stop them and hold them accountable,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “The results of Operation Better Pathways are further proof that SDPD and its partners in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force are committed to protecting San Diegans from the dangers of human trafficking.”

During the operation, law enforcement personnel conducted targeted surveillance of areas known for sexual exploitation in San Diego and National City, utilizing various investigative techniques to directly identify and stop alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation in real time. Simultaneously, law enforcement went after sex buyers by posing as individuals offering sex for sale at those same locations. Sex buyers were then generally directed to an alternate location and arrested. Among other alleged violations, arrests during the operation ranged from human trafficking of a minor to assault with a deadly weapon. 

Operation Better Pathways began on March 5 and was carried out intermittently over a period of multiple days through March 27. As part of the effort, San Diego County Child Welfare Services and adult and juvenile support service advocates were on scene to provide assistance as needed. All of the potential victims and survivors were offered access to resources and supportive services.

SDHTTF is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. In addition to serving as the lead agency on the SDHTTF, the California Department of Justice has two regional Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Teams serving Northern California and Southern California.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery where perpetrators profit from the control and exploitation of adults and children for sex or labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking does not require movement across borders. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were more than 1,300 human trafficking cases reported in California in 2021 — more than any other state in the nation. In California, human trafficking is prevalent in the hospitality, commercial sex, domestic work, and construction industries. Victims of human trafficking are also found among migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, providers of residential care, and in California’s garment sector. 

If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking is available here.

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

FULLERTON – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Fullerton, California on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at approximately 5:27 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual.

Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve** 

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in San Bernardino County, California on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 9:50 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual.

Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in east Los Angeles California on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 9:32 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual.

Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a joint operation in San Diego County resulting in the felony arrest of a suspect and the seizure of 720,000 fentanyl pills. On February 9, 2024, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Fentanyl Abatement & Suppression Team (FAST), in collaboration with the California Department of Justice San Diego Fentanyl Enforcement Program (SD FEP), the United States Border Patrol (USBP), and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSD), arrested an individual in Alpine after an investigation determined that the individual was driving a vehicle containing a large quantity of fentanyl.

“This massive bust is the largest fentanyl seizure since DOJ announced a partnership between our Fentanyl Enforcement Program and FAST Task Force,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I am grateful for the work of our special agents and law enforcement partners in getting these illicit and dangerous drugs off our streets. Whether through the seizure of illicit fentanyl through our ongoing enforcement efforts or by bringing California billions of dollars through our lawsuits and investigative efforts to hold the opioid industry accountable, the California Department of Justice is all-in when it comes to protecting California families from the dangers of fentanyl. There are countless lives being saved because of this important and difficult work.”

A total of 110 packages were removed from the vehicle with a total combined weight of 72.05 kilograms (158.5 pounds). The packages contained blue pills with “M30” markings and the initial investigation determined the pills contained fentanyl. Law enforcement estimated approximately 720,000 fentanyl pills were removed from the vehicle. The prosecution of this case will be handled by the California Department of Justice.

An image from the seizure can be found here.

The complaint can be found here.

HSI San Diego FAST is a multiagency task force comprised of state, local and federal partners and was first established in August 2022 focusing on the disruption and dismantlement of criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County. HSI’s FAST targets fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks to counter the rising overdose rate and decrease the availability and accessibility of fentanyl.

In 2022, and in response to the fentanyl epidemic, the California Legislature and the Governor approved appropriation for the creation of the California Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Investigation’s (BI) Fentanyl Enforcement Program (FEP). FEP works with local and federal law enforcement partners throughout the state to address the fentanyl crisis and get these dangerous drugs off California’s streets. The program is comprised of BI regional investigative teams placed in San Diego, Los Angeles, Dublin, and Sacramento. A Special Agent in Charge serves as the program manager and each team has a Special Agent Supervisor, five Special Agents, a Staff Services Analyst and a Crime Analyst I. Through collaboration with existing BI Task Forces, the FEP targets major fentanyl-trafficking criminal networks. The program leverages existing BI Task Forces and local and federal law enforcement partnerships to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle these criminal networks. BI has the unique expertise, state-wide perspective and vertical prosecution model to impact fentanyl-trafficking criminal networks.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.