Arpaio to crack down on gang violence

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he has had enough of gang members.

“One of my officers was shot while in uniform,” said Arpaio. “I want to send a message to these gang members: You don’t go around shooting my officers,” he added.

The killing of detention Officer Jorge Vargas by a teen who claims to be a gang member has motivated the sheriff to initialize crime-suppression operations both on Valley streets and behind bars.

The accused killer, Leonard Moreno, was seen flashing gang signs while behind bars and according to the sheriff’s office, he was intending to stab another inmate.