Division of Law Enforcement

SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today delivered remarks on California Department of Justice’s preparations to protect California’s values, people, and natural resources ahead of a second Trump Administration. To view a recording of the press conference, please visit here. 

Attorney General Bonta's Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

As the reality of a second Trump Administration takes hold, I know there is a great deal of fear, sadness, anxiety, and panic. 

I understand. 

I’m here today to reassure you that in California, progress will prevail. 

No matter who is in the White House, no matter who holds control of Congress, in California we will keep moving forward. 

In California, we will choose calm over chaos. 

Fact over fiction.

Belonging over blame.

Unity over division. 

“Us and we” over “I and me.” 

It’s why we’re the 5th largest economy in the world. Not in spite of our commitment to workers, consumers, and the environment, because of it. 

Because we’re the largest and most diverse state in the nation.

Because we believe in the power of inclusivity.

Because we believe in truth over lies. Hope over hate. Light over dark.

Because  we believe in looking forward.

It’s who we are in the Golden State. It’s in our DNA. Nothing and no one can change that. 

As Attorney General, I’ll continue to use the full force of the law and authority of this office to address injustice. 

To stand up for all people, especially those who have long been overlooked and undervalued.

To safeguard reproductive rights. 

And advocate for more housing — especially more affordable housing for lower and middle-income families just trying to get by.

I’ll continue to take on greedy corporate giants and fight for more affordable gas, groceries, and everything in between.  

I’ll continue to defend our world-renowned natural resources and protect them for generations to come. 

Continue to fight for clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.

Continue to crack down on illicit guns on our streets and get fentanyl out of our neighborhoods. 

Continue to fight for workers.

I’ll continue to protect, defend, and serve every single Californian. No matter your politics. 

I’m here to ensure every person — no matter how they look, how much money they make, where they’re from, who they love, how they identify, or how they pray — can pursue their version of the California Dream. 

A fair wage and good benefits.  

A safe and affordable place to live.  

Affordable and accessible health care. 

Good schools to send our kids to. 

Safe neighborhoods to raise our families. 

That’s my promise to you, no matter who is in the White House.  

We’ve been here before.

We lived through Trump 1.0. 

We know what he’s capable of. 

We know what plans he has in store. 

The silver lining is just that: we know. 

We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights, and restrict access to essential reproductive care.

Which means, we won’t be flat-footed come January.

You can be sure that as California Attorney General, if Trump attacks your rights: I’ll be there. 

If Trump comes after your freedoms: I’ll be there. 

If Trump jeopardizes your safety and well-being: I’ll be there.

California DOJ did it before and we’ll do it again.  

During the last Trump Administration, California DOJ fought to stop illegal rollbacks and proposals that would’ve harmed the well-being, health, safety, and civil rights of our people and of people across the country. 

That would have caused irrevocable damage to our environment.

No matter who is in charge of the federal government…

No matter what the incoming Administration has in store… California will remain the steadfast beacon of progress it has long been.  

A constant, unwavering, immoveable force to be reckoned with.  

We’ll continue to be a check on overreach and push back on abuse of power. 

Be the antidote to dangerous, extremist, hateful vitriol.

Be the blueprint of progress for the nation to look to.

Remember: in moments of chaos in D.C., you can always look to California for calm resolve. 

California leaders across the state are ready to stand arm-in-arm. 

Governor Newsom and every single Constitutional Officer;  

Senator Padilla and Senator-elect Schiff;  

Democratic members of Congress; 

Pro Tem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, and the California Legislature; 

Mayors, supervisors, and city councilmembers from San Francisco to San Diego are ready to fight for our California values. 

For our people. For our environment.

For progress and justice.

And as necessary, we’re ready to take on the challenges of a second Trump Administration — together.

While a great deal of change is on the horizon…

California’s path to progress remains full steam ahead.

It may not always be linear. Progress so rarely is. 

It zigs and zags. Takes frustrating detours. Inches forward and backward and forward again. 

The detours and setbacks don’t define our progress.

Our commitment to forward momentum defines our progress. Defines us. 

It’s what we do next that will define us. 

If you’re feeling despondent today, remember that you’re not alone. 

In California, we’re not looking back. We’re not moving back. 

We’re California! We’ll meet any challenges head on and rise to the occasion.

As is so often said, as California goes, so goes the nation.

In the days and months and years to come, all eyes will look west. 

In California, they’ll see: we’re still moving forward.

Thank you. 

**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, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Corona, California on June 11, 2024 at approximately 1:10AM. The OIS incident involving the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office 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 mandate. 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.

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Travis Tarrants' death from an officer-involved shooting in Fontana, California, on April 7, 2022, involving the Fontana Police Department (FPD). 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. Tarrants' family, law enforcement, and the community.” 

On April 7, 2022, FPD officers arrived on scene to a bank after receiving multiple calls stating there was a man who was robbing the bank armed with a gun. Mr. Tarrants was shot after he pointed a gun at officers. The gun was later found to be a modified airsoft gun. 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. COMMAND AND CONTROL

Though FPD may have general orders, trainings, or practices that outline the responsibilities of the first responding officer or supervisor at a scene, FPD should develop a formal policy that provides guidance related to: (1) how an officer should establish command and control of a scene, (2) what having command and control of the scene requires, (3) how and under what circumstances that command and control should be communicated to the other officers at the scene, and (4) how and under what circumstances command and control may or should be transferred to a supervisor or another officer at the scene.

2. DE-ESCALATION

It is recommended that FPD revise its Use of Force de-escalation policy to require de-escalation to include a non-exhaustive list of specific de-escalation tactics and techniques that an officer can employ, when feasible under the circumstances, including:

• Verbal persuasion.

• Warnings and advisements.

• The use of other resources, such as crisis intervention teams.

• Avoiding language or behavior that would escalate the stress or tension in the environment.

• Once the policy is established, provide additional training for all staff on these policies. 

3. SITUATIONAL/POSITIONAL AWARENESS

FPD should establish a specific policy regarding situational and positional awareness of officers when repositioning and during an encounter, particularly encounters with subjects who are thought to be armed.  

4. BODY WORN CAMERAS

Because FPD’s current policy appears to have conflicting provisions, it is recommended that FPD revise its policy to ensure it does not contain inconsistent direction and instead provides clear guidelines to the officers on when they should activate their body worn cameras (BWC). The BWC policy should clearly delineate the circumstances, if any, by which officers may mute their BWC audio or video, and the policy should include an instruction that officers explicitly define any policy or order requiring them to mute their audio or video on their BWC before muting. 

5. WEBSITE POSTING OF AGENCY POLICIES

It is recommended that FPD ensure the policies in its manual are updated to include the most recent versions of the policies, and that it “conspicuously post” the manual on its website, as required by law.

A copy of the report can be found here.

**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 a shooting by an off-duty Los Angeles Police officer that occurred in Ontario, California on Thursday, May 30 2024. The 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. 

SAN DIEGO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced arrests and charges against four people allegedly involved in organized retail theft, robbery, burglary, and grand theft carried out at jewelry stores throughout California. From April 4, 2023, until May 8, 2024, there were robberies, burglaries, and thefts in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and Kern Counties that resulted in more than $1.5 million in losses to the stores. This case was investigated by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) who collaborated with San Diego Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, Escondido Police Department, El Cajon Police Department, National City Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. DOJ filed multiple felony charges, including organized retail theft, robbery, burglary, and grand theft against the suspects. 

"Organized retail crime has been plaguing our state for far too long,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “It harms businesses, retailers, and consumers – and puts the public at risk. I thank our local law enforcement partners for their work in apprehending the suspects in this case. The California Department of Justice and its partners will continue fighting to keep our communities, businesses, and consumers safe from retail theft and other crimes."

"The Carlsbad Police Department would like to thank our regional law enforcement partners, Loss Prevention officers and the Department of Justice for their partnership and collaboration on this case," said Lieutenant Shaun Lawton. "Organized retail crime has a profound impact on our community and the broader region. Retailers in Carlsbad and surrounding areas have suffered significant losses due to ORC activities. These crimes not only affect the financial health of local businesses but also result in increased prices for consumers and reduced tax revenues that support public services." 

“The Organized Theft Groups profiting from these crimes have grown larger, become more violent and continue to have an adverse and destructive effect on society,” said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “These criminals hurt our communities by impacting local businesses and our general sense of safety.  As exemplified in this investigation, HSI San Diego and HSI Los Angeles worked together in partnership with our state and local law enforcement agencies to fight organized retail crime. HSI will continue to dedicate resources to protect our economy and overall national security as these organizations continually attempt to operate with limited fear of criminal penalties.”

“This investigation highlights the importance and effectiveness of collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies," said Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry. "It’s with these cooperative efforts that we demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding our communities. Effective policing is not limited or bound by jurisdiction when such brave men and women of law enforcement work together to serve their communities. The Bakersfield Police Department remains dedicated to partnering with our community and other agencies to protect the lives and property of the people we serve.”

The suspects allegedly conducted smash-and-grab style thefts by running into shopping mall stores and grabbing high-dollar jewelry before running out. The suspects also allegedly burglarized stores after hours. The merchandise that was stolen was worth approximately $1,542,706.

California and states across the country have seen a pattern of organized retail crime. According to a 2020 national survey, U.S. retailers lose approximately $700,000 per every $1 billion in sales to organized retail crime. Attorney General Bonta has made this issue a top priority and asks the public to submit complaints and tips at oag.ca.gov/retailcrime. 

The criminal complaint can be found here.

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

MERCED — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, alongside law enforcement partners, announced the results of "Operation Red Rooster" which was focused on the Norteño criminal street gang activity in Merced County. After 18 months, the operation concluded this morning with 41 arrests, over 60 pounds of narcotics seized, and 27 guns confiscated. The suspects are facing homicide, attempted homicide, gun trafficking and drug trafficking charges with gang enhancements. 

“Operation Red Rooster was a success because of the hard work of so many dedicated law enforcement partners,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I am proud of our Special Agents for their unwavering commitment to this investigation, and I'm grateful for the work of our law enforcement partners here in Merced County and statewide, as we stand together to combat gang violence. Our work to address the organized criminal street gang crisis is saving lives and making communities safer — but there is more to be done. We won’t rest until California communities are free from gang activity, including here in the Central Valley.”

“The operation leading to today’s arrests reflects incredible teamwork between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe from violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “This type of collaborative effort is critical to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations engaged in violent crime and drug trafficking.”

“This operation is a testament to what can be accomplished when we all work together toward a common goal," said Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira. "Because of this work, the people of Merced County are going to sleep tonight in a safer, better community.” 

“The destruction of human life and scale of violence by the Norteño Street Gangs in the region is the major reason the law enforcement agencies of all related jurisdictions have partnered to investigate, arrest, and prosecute this transnational criminal organization,” said Homeland Security Investigations San Francisco / NorCal Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “We know from investigations that these criminals often times prey on their own immigrant communities who are trying to earn an honest living and raise their families in peace and our joint law enforcement efforts strive to accomplish this goal by removing these menaces from our society. HSI San Francisco appreciates the work by the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), California DOJ Special Operations Unit, CHP, CDCR, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Merced County Probation Department, Merced County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Merced PD, Livingston PD, FBI, DEA, USPIS, ATFE, and all other contributing agencies.” 

“This operation exemplifies CDCR's dedication to serving communities and enhancing public safety,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “We are committed to leveraging all our resources, both within and beyond correctional facilities, to create safer and more secure communities.”

“Today marks a significant step forward in our unified mission to build safer communities throughout this region. As a member of the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), the FBI is proud to join forces with our law enforcement partners on this collaborative effort,” stated FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “By combining our resources and aligning our respective strengths, we are disrupting gang violence and keeping our communities safe.”

The investigation began in 2021 after the Livingston Police Department investigated a homicide and attempted homicide that was connected to the Norteño criminal street gang. While one of the shooters was arrested, the other remained at large. The operation grew as more agencies and resources were devoted to the long-term investigation into the Norteño criminal street gang activity in Merced County. The joint operation included officers from California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), DOJ Special Operation Unit, Merced County District Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Merced County Sheriff, Merced Police Department, Livingston Police Department, Merced County Probation Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

MAGNET is a California DOJ, Bureau of Investigation-led multiagency task force, federally funded through the national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. It is comprised of members from the California Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigations, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Special Services Unit, Merced County Sheriff's Office, Merced Police Department, Merced County Probation Department, Merced County District Attorney's Office, Los Banos Police Department, Livingston Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Special Operations Unit (SOU) is a collaborative investigative effort with the California DOJ and the California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups. The SOU evaluates and validates information by examining critical records and conducting field surveillances to identify methods of operation as well as the focus on the organizational hierarchy networks. Personnel conduct undercover operations to gather evidence leading to the arrest and prosecution of the principals involved. Emphasis is placed on target selection to ensure the elimination of the criminal organization rather than just the arrest of easily replaced members. The SOU provides critical support to the task forces and local agencies, while focusing on organized crime groups, violent career criminals, and violent gangs. SOU’s resources and expertise augment the capabilities of local agencies.

**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, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Grover Beach, California on May 25, 2024. The OIS incident involving the Grover Beach Police Department 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 mandate. 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**

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.