Top-10 gang members removed from list

Los Angeles: A gang member listed on the LAPD’s Top-10 list killed himself after Sheriffs deputies attempted to arrest him in Long Beach.

On May 7, 2007, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Operations Safe Street gang unit received an anonymous tip that Rudy Magana, a Compton Tortilla Flats gang member and a person wanted in the January 20, 2007 shooting death of his father’s 2-year-old nephew, was seen at a residence in Long Beach.

Detectives established surveillance in the 7200 block of Lime Street and observed Magana at a residence. A perimeter was established and the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau was called. Upon their arrival, several individuals exited the residence. However, Magana did not. Minutes later, Magana began firing shots at the deputies.

Eventually, tear gas was used and deputies entered the residence. Inside, they found Magana on the floor, unresponsive and holding a gun. It appeared he shot himself.

On May 10, 2007, two additional Top-10 gang members were removed from the list when it was determined that no extradition or prosecution treaty existed with the countries.

Arash Safaie, a Hardtimes gang member, was recently located in Iran. He is wanted in a September 28, 2003, murder, where he became involved in an altercation and shot three victims with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

Miguel Lopez, a Mara Salvatrucha gang member, was found in El Salvador. Lopez is wanted in a murder were he shot at several individuals, killing one.

Three individuals will be added to the Top-10 list in a future news release.