14-year-old among gang members arrested in Visalia | YourCentralValley.com

Visalia Police Department

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A 14-year-old was one of three people arrested Saturday night among gang members at a Visalia park, Visalia police said.

According to police, an officer was conducting a security check at Ruiz Park on East Buena Vista Avenue shortly before 11:15 p.m. Saturday because of recent violent crimes that had occurred there.

Upon arrival, the officer contacted a group of people, including known members of the Norteño gang. As he approached, 21-year-old Anthony Canchola walked away and attempted to hide a loaded gun in a bush, according to investigators.

Officials report that Canchola was later found with cocaine in his socks.

For safety reasons, investigators searched the other people and discovered a loaded gun in the waistband of a 14-year-old. After searching their vehicle, officers also found a third gun that was linked to the driver, 20-year-old Janesa Smith.

The teenager and two adults were then arrested. Canchola was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a controlled substance while armed, destruction of evidence, and a no-bail warrant for shooting into an occupied dwelling.

According to police, the 14-year-old was arrested for being in possession of a firearm and ammunition while underage. Smith was suspected of carrying a concealed firearm.