SAPD police officers arrested a young gangbanger who was dealing drugs

A two-officer patrol unit was conducting proactive enforcement and observed a known juvenile gang member conducting hand-to-hand narcotic sales, according to the SAPD.

The police officers detained the suspect following a brief foot pursuit, where he was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics.

The suspect was transported and booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall on weapons and narcotics charges.

The local gangs purposefully recruit juveniles to sell drugs as they cannot be charged as adults. When they turn 18 they are often killed by their fellow gang members before they can snitch them out to the police.