13 arrested as CHP surge operations in Oakland ramp up

( KRON ) — In the first surge operation in Oakland since California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the expansion of California Highway Patrol deployment within the city, authorities made over a dozen arrests, the CHP announced Wednesday.

The surge operation, which took place on Saturday, involved CHP Golden Gate Division's airplane and helicopter assisting officers on the ground in targeting illegal sideshows. Each aircraft was used overhead for four hours each, CHP said. In that time, air teams assisted in seven pursuits that ended in 13 arrests, as well as the recovery of eight stolen vehicles and two firearms.

"The surge in crime will not be tolerated," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said in a written statement, "and we are taking swift, decisive action to combat it."

On July 11, Gov. Newsom announced increased operations of state law enforcement within Oakland. "Building on our partnership with local law enforcement, I'm deploying a new surge of CHP officers to help provide the people of Oakland and the East Bay the safety and security they deserve," Newsom said at the time.

The expanded operation, which builds on the initial presence increase that began in February , involves quadrupling the number of shifts for CHP officers and increasing surge operations over the next four months.

"I want to make it very clear, if you commit a crime, we will find you, apprehend you, and ensure that you are held responsible," Duryee added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.