Threats Against Police Widen

A group claiming responsibility for a bomb attack against a narcotics detective in Ventura County has threatened to make the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department its next target, authorities said Tuesday.

A letter sent to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and signed by the “People’s Liberation Army,” said, “Our main plan is to bring a big city police department to its knees,” and specifically mentioned the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Vince France said.

Since mid-September, letters signed by the “PLA” have claimed responsibility for a bomb that exploded at the home of an Oxnard police detective, causing minor injuries to the officer’s stepson, and a bomb sent to the home of another officer and defused before it exploded. It has also mailed letters threatening narcotic officers, and sent poison-laced candy to a Ventura police officer.

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s spokesman said his agency’s narcotic officers are aware of the threats and are taking normal precautions.