9 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN SWEEP DEPUTIES TARGET APARTMENTS.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

QUARTZ HILL - Lancaster sheriff's station gang deputies searched 14 parolees' and probationers' apartments in a Lancaster apartment building and arrested nine people.

Tuesday's sweep was prompted by increased illegal activity around the Antelope Valley Apartments on 32nd Street West near Avenue K-4, officials said.

``We targeted this location because of the increased activity in that area that seemed to generate from that complex,'' said Sgt. Chris Haymond of the Lancaster Gang Violence Suppression team.

Deputies accompanied by Los Angeles County probation officers and state parole agents began knocking on doors early Tuesday to pick up people wanted on warrants, and to check that people were complying with parole and probation terms.

Seven of the people arrested were picked up on warrants for offenses ranging from misdemeanor traffic violations to minor drug possession. Two others were arrested on suspicion of parole violation when deputies found small amounts of marijuana - and in one instance a handgun - in their apartments. A handgun was also found in one of those apartments.

Deputies also found a small amount of marijuana in the apartment of a parolee who wasn't there, officials said. A warrant will be issued for his arrest, officials said.