STOCKTON, Calif. — Flanked by law enforcement leaders from cities throughout San Joaquin County, Stockton's Chief of Police Stanley McFadden announced results Thursday from what he calls "Operation Boogieman."
"It specifically targeted some of our most violent street gangs, which were responsible for homicides and several shootings throughout the county," McFadden said.
The chief declined to disclose which gangs were targeted and declined to detail the operation's timeline. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office said the operation lasted three months, and a Stockton Police Department spokesperson said the most recent arrests happened Tuesday.
In total, $65,000, narcotics, 36 handguns, 14 rifles and 1 shotgun were seized. Officers also made 74 arrests, but prosecutors would not elaborate on the specific charges they face.
"Every gun seized from the street saves a life," said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. "Operation Boogieman is one of the largest gun violence intervention operations in our county's history and perhaps the state."
Stockton's City Manager Harry Black echoed that pride, revealing that city numbers show overall crime was down by 12% in the first nine months of 2024.
"We are winning," Black said. "Crime is on the decline in Stockton, and it's not by accident."
While prosecutors said that some arraignments have already taken place, the work continues with the police chief hoping to make even more arrests.
"If violence is brought to our neighborhoods, there will be accountability," Freitas said.
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