Residents File Complaints Over Gang Sweep (TX. USA)

Castroville residents file complaints over gang sweep

By CLAUDIA MELÉNDEZ SALINAS
Herald Salinas Bureau

12/04/2009

Three Castroville residents have filed formal complaints against the Monterey County Sheriff's Office for excessive force, child endangerment and elder abuse.

The alleged incidents took place June 25 and 26, during the three-day sweep of suspected gang members in North Monterey County dubbed Operation Disrupt. According to the reports compiled by members of the North Monterey County League of United Latin American Citizens, it was not only gang members who were disrupted.

According to the report, Pablo and Amparo Gutierrez were awakened about 3a.m. June 25 by a team of 12 to 14 members of the Monterey County Sheriff's gang task force and SWAT team, wearing ski masks and black clothing.

They threw a smoke bomb into the living room, handcuffed terrified 80-year-old Amparo Gutierrez, and pointed guns at members of the family. Initially, the family believed they were being robbed. After ransacking their home and keeping them handcuffed for more than two hours, a deputy told them they were looking for a family member who did not live at their home.

Abridged
SOURCE:    Monterey Herald
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