According to DA David Eyster, law enforcement officers working as part of the Mendocino County Multi-Agency Gang Suppression Unit contacted two men at Oak Manor Park March 15, which is adjacent to the fields of Oak Manor Elementary School on Oak Manor Drive, and classes were in session at the time.
The suspects, identified as Rogelio L. Zarate, 35, and Phillip R. Lopez, Jr., 26, both of Ukiah, are both suspected gang members and convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Zarate and Lopez were arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, being felons in possession of both a firearm and ammunition, and for parole and probation violations.
“Local law enforcement officials believe these arrests should serve as notice in general that increased gang-related investigations and arrests will continue to take place around the county,” Eyster’s office noted in its press release. “Concerned citizens who may observe suspected gang activities or who may have gang-related information are requested to assist in the fight against gang influences and gang-related crime by timely reporting what they observe and know to local law enforcement agencies.”
Beyond the press release, Eyster also said Friday, “What is of concern to me is that these alleged gang members, for example, apparently felt comfortable enough with their surroundings to be drinking alcohol in a park and close to a school in broad daylight and during afternoon school hours, as well as comfortable enough to also have ammo and a modified shotgun in their vehicle. I’m not happy with this, Chief Dewey is not happy with this, and the parents and neighbors should not be happy with this. The gang unit is going to be working on early intervention in more situations like this.”
