8 Suspected Norteño Gang Members Arrested After 7-Month Investigation

The Redwood City Police Department’s Gang Suppression Team arrested eight suspected Norteño gang members on Friday morning after serving five search/arrest warrants in Redwood City and Hayward.

The police department said the collaboration with the city’s SWAT Team, the Hayward Police Department and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office was key to the operation’s success.

“The removal of violent criminals and their guns from our community is a top priority for our Department” said Police Chief JR Gamez in a statement.

“Over the years, criminal street gangs have become more organized while continuing to use drug trafficking as a means to finance their criminal activities,” he said. 

He further attributed the growing safety of the neighborhood to Investigations Commander Ed Hernandez, Gang Suppression Team detectives and officials from the District Attorney’s office.

As a result of a well-planned and collaborative investigation by Investigations Commander, Ed Hernandez, the detectives of the Gang Suppression Team, and the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office our neighborhoods become safer and we rid the community of organized criminal activity.”

The following suspects were arrested (booking photos are to the right):

1. Oscar Yslas Portillo, 26, of Redwood City
2. Armando Yslas Portillo, 28, of Hayward
3. Orlando Molina, 24, of Redwood City
4. Johnny Plaza, 23, of Redwood City
5. Brayan Rodriguez, 18, of Redwood City
6. Vicente Navarro, 19, of San Mateo County
7. Gabriel Montalvo, 29, of San Mateo County
8. Rosalio Pimentel, 24, of Redwood City

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