SoCal Tagging Crew Targeted in Bust Arrests made in Los Angeles, Riverside Counties.

SoCal Tagging Crew Targeted in Bust
Arrests made in Los Angeles, Riverside Counties.


Los Angeles - Investigators in Los Angeles and Riverside counties today served 36 warrants and made a number of arrests targeting a tagging crew believed responsible for vandalism in those counties, as well as in San Diego and San Bernardino counties.

The raids began at 6 a.m. at about 25 locations in Los Angeles County, while at the same time Riverside authorities were conducting related probation compliance checks at 11 locations, said Sgt. Chris Meadows of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Transit Bureau.

The operation -- which resulted in the arrests of 14 adults and one juvenile -- was part of a year-long investigation into the tagging crew known as OCP, which stands for Out Causing Panic, authorities said.

The group has been in existence for about 10 years. Investigators until recently thought the group was primarily based in Riverside County, but determined it has been operating in Los Angeles County, as well, Meadows said.

OCP came to the attention of the sheriff's department a year ago, when some of its members were involved in civil unrest following last year's Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship victory at Staples Center, investigators said.

Members of the crew were involved in vandalizing a Metro bus and a Metro Blue Line train that night, according to sheriff's Lt. Erik Ruble of the Transit Services Bureau.

Investigators estimate there are about 200 OCP members and associates between the ages of 16 and 30 throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, Meadows said.

The group primarily commits felony vandalism, but the investigation also revealed that the tagging crew has been involved in assaults, possession of illegal weapons, robbery, burglaries and drug sales, Meadows said.

The 15 arrestees are accused of participating in a criminal street gang and also face such charges as possession of methamphetamine for sale, receiving stolen property, grand theft auto, recruiting for a criminal street gang and felony vandalism, he said.

Two suspects were additionally being held on immigration violations, and five suspects remain at large.

A stolen vehicle was seized, along with evidence of stolen vehicle parts, methamphetamine for sale, numerous exemplars of graffiti writing with "OCP" and monikers of the members, stolen property and police equipment, marijuana and products from the "OCP" supported clothing line, authorities said.

Among those participating in the overnight raids were personnel from the sheriff's departments of Los Angeles and Riverside counties, the Riverside, El Monte and West Covina police departments and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

I heard about these guys back when I was in High School (late 90's). This story was on Fox News at 10pm last night (6-17-10), done by who else, Chris Blatchford.

OCP HAS BEEN OUT FOR A COOL MIN THOUGH, WHERE IS THE ORIGINAL OCP FROM

They are originally from ontario, i thought.

thats what i thought too but wasnt 100% sure