Westminster Police shut down another illegal gambling operation

Westminster Police served a warrant on a home at the 14600 block of Wakefield Street on Wednesday and ended up arresting five suspects and seizing several large gambling machines. The suspects are facing various charges.

Several suspects ran off on foot and also in vehicles from the house as the police officers arrived. Police officers who had established a perimeter around the slap house were able to arrest five of the fleeing suspects without incident.

The suspects were booked at the Orange County Jail for an outstanding warrant for a weapons charge, a felony probation violation, a parole violation and for operating a gambling house.

The police officers also were able to recover about two ounces of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, about $3000 in cash, six gambling machines and a pistol.

The City of Westminster has been cracking down on illegal gambling dens that are based in local residences. These are often referred to as “slap houses.”

Officials suspect there are at least a half dozen slap houses operating in Westminster.

Slap houses are known to attract a criminal element. They pose hazards including firearms and armed felons. These gambling dens can also attract drug pushers and pimps.

If you suspect that there is a slap house operating in your area be sure to call it in to the police.