LOS ANGELES, CA – Westminster Police Department detectives served a search warrant Wednesday at a home allegedly tied to an illegal gambling operation, and 11 people found there were arrested, according to the department.
Detectives served the warrant just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at a home in the 6000 block of Apache Road, near Garden Grove Boulevard, the department said. The block is in a residential area of Westminster between the 405 and 22 freeways.
About 11 people were detained from different parts of the home and the backyard, authorities said. The department said all 11 were arrested on multiple charges, including illegal gambling, drug possession, parole violation and outstanding arrest warrants.
While searching the home, investigators found four suspected gambling machines, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, the department said.
Investigators collect evidence at the home
Investigators collected evidence from the home as the search continued through the morning. According to initial reports, officers entered the house from its garage and left carrying gambling equipment, and gambling tables removed from the property were set out on the driveway.
By about 11:30 a.m., the group of detained people was seated on the ground in front of the home under the watch of officers, according to initial reports.
Commander cites probable cause for the warrant
Westminster Police Commander Andy Stowers spoke to reporters at the scene earlier in the day. Stowers said, “What I can say is that officers developed probable cause to execute a search warrant.”
At that point, Stowers said he could not confirm the exact number of arrests or what the suspects would be booked for. The department’s account of the arrests now lists 11 people and the charges named above.
Stowers also said all personnel involved in the operation were Westminster police officers.
Department says it does not tolerate illegal gambling establishments
In a news release on the case, the Westminster Police Department said it “does not tolerate illegal gambling establishments, commonly known as ‘slaphouses,’ within our community.”
The department described the Apache Road address as a home connected to an alleged illegal gambling operation. It has not described the operation beyond the evidence its detectives reported finding.
Tips go to Detective B. Odell
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective B. Odell of the Westminster Police Department at 714-548-3811. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
Suspects arrested, investigation continues
An arrest is not a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to the criminal court process. The department had not released the names of those arrested, and no charging decision from prosecutors has been announced.
The investigation into the alleged gambling operation at the Apache Road home remains active.
