Suspected drug dealer gets morning wake-up call from SWAT
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

Residents of Cordero Avenue got a rude awakening last Friday when the narcotics unit and the SWAT team of the Simi Valley Police Department used "flash-bang" grenades during an effort to serve a search warrant.

Two men, 41-year-old Johnny Okolinsky and 42-year-old Joel Gilreath, were arrested as a result of the search. Okolinsky was charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale and Gilreath with possession of two illegal assault weapons.

Police came to execute the warrant around 7 a.m., when some of the neighbors were still asleep inside their homes.

"I woke up because there were three explosions," said Amy Walker, who lives next door. "We went outside and there were SWAT everywhere, even in our backyard."

According to Sgt. David Livingstone, the search warrant was issued after a monthlong investigation by the narcotics unit into the alleged sales of methamphetamine from the residence.

According to a police report, about $7,500 in cash and $4,000 worth of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were seized by police. Two assault rifles, one identified as an AK-47, were also confiscated, Livingstone said.

"Either through an informant or our own observations, if the suspects are known to be armed, then we'll use the SWAT team," Livingstone said.

Three "flash-bang" grenades, which emit an intense flash of light and a loud noise intended to stun their target, were used as diversionary devices before police employed a V150 armed personnel carrier to pull down the front door, the sergeant explained.

"There's a knock and notice rule we have to comply with that specifies a given amount of time for us to knock and announce our presence," Livingstone said. "If they don't come to the door, then we can take it down."

Okolinsky was released on bail Oct. 28 and is scheduled to appear in court today. Gilreath, whose bail has been set for $10,000, is due in court Nov. 8.