County's top prosecutor issues statement on Rialto gang injunction
In announcing a second preliminary gang injunction in two days, the Office of District Attorney Michael A. Ramos released the following statement:
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
MICHAEL A. RAMOS
District Attorney
Date: September 25, 2008
Second Gang Injunction Granted
San Bernardino, CA - Today, San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Warner granted the San Bernardino County District Attorney's request for a preliminary injunction against the South Side Rialto criminal street gang. The court granted the preliminary injunction after finding that its terms were "appropriate," given the
activities of this gang.
Once served with a copy of the court's order, South Side Rialto gang members will be prohibited from engaging in nuisance-related activities contained in the 26 terms of the court's order, within a defined "Safety Zone." Some prohibited acts include appearing with one another in public, fighting in public, drinking in public, possessing dangerous or deadly weapons or ammunition, defacing public or private property with graffiti, displaying gang signs or symbols in public, blocking the free passage of others down public streets and sidewalks, and accosting others to demand to know their gang affiliation.
Ultimately, the District Attorney is seeking a permanent injunction with the same terms. In the meantime, the preliminary injunction will give law enforcement an immediate tool to combat the South Side Rialto criminal street gang, while the lawsuit continues in court.
District Attorney Michael A. Ramos commented, "This is the second injunction that has been granted in as many days. I hope the gangsters are getting the message that we are coming after them."
Two South Side Rialto gang members, who were present in court, were served with copies of the preliminary injunction order immediately after the hearing.
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