FBI personnel faced gunfire in San Diego County on Wednesday a little after 6 a.m. while closing in on a suspected Mexican Mafia linked narcotics network. After they identified themselves, shots were fired and a short gunfight followed.

Federal prosecutors issued 42 indictments aimed at alleged participants and associates from multiple San Diego County street gangs, including the Poway outfit Varrio Hidden Hills. California imposes ammunition buyer background checks and limits on unserialized firearms, and the gang members were alleged to have obtained both weapons and rounds used against the agents.