Lancaster honors sheriff Landcap team after multi‑agency bust that recovered firearms and narcotics

Vice Mayor and Lancaster officials recognized members of the Lancaster Sheriff Station Landcap team on the council chamber floor after a multi‑month investigation into armed carjackings and related criminal activity.

City officials said the probe into a series of dirt‑bike carjackings that began in June 2025 identified five juvenile suspects and produced four search warrants served in August. During the searches the presenters reported the recovery of one stolen minibike; five illegally possessed firearms and components for making unregistered firearms; about 17 pounds of methamphetamine; roughly 2 pounds of fentanyl; two kilograms of cocaine; two kilograms of heroin; additional illegal narcotics including ecstasy, mushrooms and marijuana; illegal gambling machines; and approximately $23,000 in U.S. currency. Presenters said two offenders were in custody at the time of the meeting and investigators were working to find remaining suspects.

The council chamber applauded the deputies when they were called forward. A city official introduced the deputies and described their work as handling “the worst of the worst at times.” Deputies named at the presentation included Deputy Armando Lopez, Deputy Michael Figueroa, Deputy Abraham Ledesma, Deputy Oscar Dominguez, Deputy Anthony Parisi, Deputy Renee Valencia, Miguel (Michael) Gonzalez, Deputy Andrew Arcega and Deputy Daniel Carlin. The presenter also noted Deputy Oscar Dominguez was being promoted to sergeant.

Why it matters: City leaders used the public recognition to highlight interagency investigative work that the city said disrupted violent thefts and drug distribution in Lancaster. Officials said the investigation remains active and that additional arrests were expected.

What was said: The presenter said the Landcap team “began investigating a string of armed carjackings committed within the city of Lancaster beginning in June 2025.” The same presenter summarized the items recovered during August search warrants and said, “We have 2 offenders in custody and trust and believe that they are working very vigorously to get those additional suspects into custody.”

Council action: The recognition was ceremonial; no formal council vote was required beyond granting the presentation on the agenda.

Background: The sheriff’s Landcap team conducts street‑level enforcement and targeted investigations. The council used the presentation to thank deputies and to underscore ongoing enforcement activity in the city.

The council meeting record indicates the presentation and remarks were made during the afternoon session and concluded before the meeting resumed regular business.