RAVEN Investigation Yields Arrests as Suspected Gang Members/Associates Attempt to Bring Illegally
RAVEN Investigation Yields Arrests as Suspected Gang Members/Associates Attempt to Bring Illegally Purchased Firearms into Spokane County
In early 2026, Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement and Narcotics (RAVEN) Task Force personnel received information that local criminal street gang members were suspected of frequently traveling into Idaho to purchase firearms illegally. It is believed that these firearms were then used during their criminal acts in Spokane County and across Washington. RAVEN personnel continued to investigate and develop intelligence throughout the year.
On September 12, 2026, RAVEN, assisted by personnel from ATF, FBI, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department, conducted an operation in Idaho to identify gang members, Washington residents known to be prohibited from possessing firearms, who were traveling to Idaho to make illegal firearms purchases.
During the operation, RAVEN personnel coordinated traffic stops of two vehicles traveling from Idaho back into Washington, where one or more of the occupants were observed purchasing firearms, despite being prohibited from legally possessing them.
The first vehicle stopped was occupied by 22-year-old Christian J. Jacobo and 23-year-old Alonzo A. Lopez Diaz from Sunnyside, WA. Both were identified as Norteno gang members, and both were prohibited from possessing firearms. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained, and Investigators recovered three loaded Glock semi-automatic pistols from the vehicle, along with additional ammunition. Both suspects were arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree.
During a search of Alonzo A. Lopez Diaz following his arrest, approximately 1.5 grams of suspected Cocaine was located, and he was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The second vehicle stopped was occupied by 20-year-old Angel A. Tlatelpa, who has known ties to confirmed gang members and is also prohibited from legally possessing firearms. Before the stop, surveillance personnel observed Tlatelpa in possession of a firearm, and Deputies stopped the vehicle after it crossed into Washington. Investigators seized the vehicle as evidence, pending a search warrant. However, because Investigators still lacked probable cause for an arrest, they released Tlatelpa at the scene.
After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, Investigators located and seized a semi-automatic pistol. With probable cause established for his arrest, Investigators will now charge Tlatelpa with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree.
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The Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics (RAVEN) Task Force consists of Investigators from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the Spokane Valley Police Department (SVPD), U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
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