Gang Suppression Arrests 

February 7, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on February 6, 2025, deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Gang Suppression Unit responded to 2701 Ming Avenue (Valley Plaza Mall), in an attempt to locate Stephen Christy (28), who had an active felony warrant for his arrest. Deputies were able to locate and apprehend Christy, who was in the company of Roberto Horta (36), in the parking lot of the Valley Plaza Mall. During a search of Christy, deputies located a loaded .357 Caliber revolver. Deputies further searched Horta and Christy’s vehicle and located a loaded 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, as well as live rounds of shotgun ammunition.

Christy and Horta were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Jail on the following charges: Felon in possession of a firearm; Felon in possession of ammunition; Carrying a concealed firearm on a person; Gang member in possession of a firearm; Participation in a criminal street gang; Conspiring to commit a felony on behalf of a criminal street gang; Carrying a concealed firearm inside a vehicle; Carrying a loaded handgun in public; Carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle with a prior felony.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office