On February 12th, 2021, Hawthorne Police Department detectives, assisted by the SWAT team, served a warrant in the 13200 block of Hawthorne Blvd. The results of the warrant and preceding investigation yielded over 12 arrests, 14 people were issued citations, over $8,500 of dollars in U.S. currency, 2 firearms, several ounces of Methamphetamine and half-dozen Illegal gambling machines were seized.
The Hawthorne Police Department had received a complaint from concerned citizens regarding possible criminal activity at the location. Detectives were able to determine that office space within a small strip mall appeared to be being used as an illegal gambling location, operating 24 hours a day. During the investigation, detectives noted an increase in crimes in the immediate area, including a shooting, resulting in one person being shot.
The Hawthorne Police Department will continue to work with the community and other City departments, in order to minimize the likelihood of this illegal activity returning to the area.
If you have any additional information related to this case, or believe there is an illegal gambling operation in your area, please contact the Hawthorne Police Department Detective Bureau at (310) 349-2820.
