Under the eerie glow of a rare blood moon, 50 law enforcement officers gathered at LAPD’s Hollenbeck Station in Boyle Heights. Their mission: to dismantle the criminal empire run by one of the most notorious street gangs in Los Angeles.
The California Post was granted exclusive access to the operation, witnessing the tension and anticipation as officers from LAPD, the FBI, and other agencies assembled at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday morning.
Leading the charge was seasoned LAPD Detective Hugo Ayon, who briefed his team on the significance of “Operation Dead Horse.” Their target was the 18th Street gang, a ruthless organization that controlled the drug trade in areas like MacArthur Park and Skid Row, while also engaging in heinous crimes like murder, human trafficking, and robbery.
At the center of it all was Keiko Gonzalez, known on the streets as “Moms,” the alleged leader of the 18th Street gang. With ties to the Mexican Mafia and the Sinaloa Cartel, Gonzalez was a key player in the gang’s criminal operations.
Ayon described the operation as the culmination of a meticulous three-year investigation, conducted in three phases. The primary objective was to apprehend Gonzalez on charges of racketeering and murder, effectively crippling the gang’s leadership.
Accompanied by her husband, Mexican Mafia boss Jorge Gonzalez, aka Huero Caballo, Keiko Gonzalez wielded significant influence in the criminal underworld, facilitating drug distribution across state lines.
The operation also targeted Edward “Toro” Escalante, the gang’s chief tax collector and enforcer. With a reputation for extorting money from dealers, users, and businesses, Escalante played a crucial role in the gang’s illicit activities.
Both Gonzalez and Escalante resided in adjacent units within a residential complex in Boyle Heights, owned by Gonzalez herself. The plan was to apprehend them during routine traffic stops, avoiding the risks associated with a direct confrontation.
As dawn broke, Escalante was the first to leave the complex, driving his BMW sedan. Ayon and his team swiftly intercepted him, placing him under arrest without incident. Despite his imposing presence, Escalante was subdued and taken into custody.
Next on the list was Keiko Gonzalez, who emerged from her residence for a smoke. Moments later, she was stopped by undercover officers while driving her Lexus. With precision and efficiency, Gonzalez was detained, marking a significant victory for law enforcement.
Following the arrests, a thorough search of Gonzalez’s property revealed drugs, weapons, and cash, further implicating her in criminal activities. The successful operation dealt a severe blow to the 18th Street gang, disrupting their operations and forcing them to regroup.
Captain Ahmad Zarekani, head of the LAPD Gang and Narcotics Division, emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance, hinting at future developments in the case. The arrests of Gonzalez and Escalante were part of a broader crackdown on the gang, with more indictments expected in the coming days.
As the sun rose over Los Angeles, the streets were a little safer thanks to the efforts of law enforcement. The takedown of the 18th Street gang was a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime, sending a clear message that justice would prevail.
