Greenfield gang arrests linked to San Jose murder, in multi-agency operation

GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A multi-agency operation, sparked by a deadly shooting in San Jose, has led to multiple gang-related arrests, including suspects tied to a violent gang from Greenfield, California.

The operation, which saw over 100 officers involved, spanned from Sacramento to San Jose and resulted in arrests across several locations, including the Central Coast.

"It was not a random act," Matt Mahan San Jose Mayor said. "It was a premeditated attack by a violent gang committed by young people just 18 to 20 years old, who traveled nearly 100 miles from either direction with the sole intent of committing harm."

The incident began on January 11, 2025, when San Jose police responded to a fatal shooting that later led to the identification of eight members of a violent gang based in Greenfield.

These individuals were believed to be behind several violent crimes in Monterey County, including a double homicide and a mass shooting earlier this year.

"One of the main reasons that this collaboration occurred is because the same faction of the Norteno gang started committing a lot of violent crimes in Monterey County," King City Police Sergeant Partida said. "It started with a double homicide in February and escalated to a mass shooting in March."

In Monterey County, 14 search warrants were executed, and several firearms were seized, including rifles, handguns, and shotguns.

"We searched 14 residences, at least 20 vehicles, and conducted searches of seven prison cells. The evidence collected included two rifles, one handgun, and a shotgun," San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said. "A key breakthrough came through video surveillance and automated license plate reader cameras, which helped piece together clues about the suspects involvement in a violent criminal gang."

"We believe they came to San Jose looking for a rival gang member," Joseph said. "They drove to an area expecting to find such a person, and they selected this victim. Why? We don’t know yet, but that's what we believe the motivation was."

The same gang, authorities say, is responsible for multiple violent crimes in Monterey County, including a quadruple murder last March, a double homicide, and the shooting of a six-year-old child at a baptism.

"The individuals involved in this homicide were affiliated with a faction of the Norteno criminal street gang. Additional investigative efforts link this case to a separate homicide in the city of San Jose," Partida said.

The investigation is far from over.

"We continue to sift through massive amounts of digital evidence, records, and physical evidence, which have been key to tracking the suspects' movements and planning," Joseph said.

This incident marks San Jose's first homicide of 2025. Authorities are still working to determine the full motive behind the killing as the investigation continues.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Greenfield Police announced they were part of a large-scale search and arrest operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Greenfield Police aided in the operation alongside San Jose Police Department, King City Police Department, Monterey County Sheriff's Office and others.

KION reached out to the San Jose Police for more information on the operation itself.

ICE was not involved in the operation.

San Jose Police Department responded with the following statement: "SJPD is conducting a large scale operation spanning multiple jurisdictions. The operation is active and ongoing. We will be providing more information soon. Thank you for your patience."

A press conference for details on the operation is scheduled for Friday, April 4.

This is a developing story.