L.A. Police Infiltrate Militia Cell 5 Arrested, 1 A Reserve Officer; Heavy Weaponry Confiscated

Five reputed militia members who authorities said were planning terrorist acts in Southern California were arrested Friday as police seized enough weapons and ammunition to “wage war,” as one officer put it.

The investigation into the militia, allegedly led by a reserve police officer, began two years ago with the Oklahoma City bombing, authorities said.

“A militia cell was brought to its knees today by these arrests,” said Cmdr. Tim McBride.

Seized were .223-caliber rifles similar to the military’s M-16; grenade launchers; thousands of rounds of ammunition; body armor; night vision goggles; and targets painted to resemble blacks, Asians and Latinos.

“These people believe in having a sufficient amount of weapons to wage war,” said Capt. Joe Curreri.

Police also found camouflage suits, ballistic helmets, a laser sight and rappelling gear.

Curreri said the men were armed with weapons similar to the North Hollywood bank robbers, who engaged police in a fierce street gun battle Feb. 28 after a botched robbery. The two suspects were killed.

However, Curreri said the suspects arrested Friday “are much better trained, much better disciplined than the North Hollywood bank robbers were.”

The five were arrested before they could carry out any violent attacks, police said. All were charged with weapons violations.

Arrested were Glenn Yee, 43, a reserve police officer for the city of Irwindale; Alvin Ung, 31; Mark Grand, 31; Timothy Swanson, 43; and Raymond Durand, 33.