Los Santos County Sheriff's Department "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" News Release January 14th, 2026 |
- ACTS OF VALOR: LOS SANTOS SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
- Blaine County: Sunday, January 11th 2026, the Los Santos Sheriff’s Department recognized six deputies for their bravery and excellence during two large-scale incidents involving multiple criminal organizations.
On December 22nd 2025, the Los Santos Sheriff’s Department and Police Department responded to an incident involving two criminal organizations, identified as Only the Family and the East Side Mob. Law enforcement successfully apprehended all East Side Mob affiliates without casualties on either side. Members of Only the Family fled to a nearby bank, where a shootout occurred, resulting in the death of a deputy sheriff.
Deputy Sheriff James Sharpe displayed exceptional bravery, leadership, and heroism throughout both incidents. He performed with outstanding effectiveness, maintaining clear communication and providing critical tactical advantages to fellow deputies.
On January 2nd 2026, an operation involving multiple government agencies were met with heavy resistance whilst surveyed members of criminal organizations known as Only the Family, East Side Mob and The Empire. As law enforcement arrived, multiple pursuits were initiated. The pursuits led to NOOSE and eventually to Humane Labs where ESM and The Empire had fortified themselves inside. A large-scaled shootout took place and the altercation resulted in over 40 law enforcement personnel and the same amount of affiliated individuals lost their life.
Sergeant Vince Taylor, Detective Violet Wilson, Detective Amir Sultan, Deputy Sheriff Dmitry Petrov & Deputy Sheriff Jay Alva displayed great heroism, professionalism and set an example on how these situations should be handled.
In the midst of it all, we wish to take a moment to thank the Police Department and Department of Correction for their conduct and being pivotal for the survival of our Deputies.
Medal of Valor
Deputy Sheriff James Sharpe
Meritorious Conduct Gold Medal
Sergeant Vince Taylor
Detective Violet Wilson
Detective Amir Sultan
Deputy Sheriff Dmitry Petrov
Deputy Sheriff Jay Alva
###For Information, Contact:
Division Chief Amelia Clark
Chief of Staff, Office of the Sheriff
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Procopio Promenade 1, Paleto Bay
Los Santos, SA, 909
