11 Accused Gang Members Indicted In Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Law enforcement agencies across Hennepin County say they put a major dent in Twin Cities gang activity Friday.
Friday morning, Sheriff Rich Stanek announced the arrests of 11 known gang members from two different gangs.
Stanek said the "Stick Up Boys" and the "1-9" gang worked together to illegally obtain and possess firearms.
"Gangs, guns and drugs are three words that go hand-in-hand," Stanek said.
Authorities said the gang members in custody are from two different gangs that were essentially working as one team.
"This group worked together to acquire guns by any means necessary. And they would use those guns to terrorize neighborhoods and anyone who stood in their way," Stanek said.
More than 50 officers from seven different law enforcement agencies helped make the arrests across the cities.
U.S. Attorney Andy Luger says the focus was on the worst of the worst.
"What we have done here today is taken down the leadership of a violent Hennepin County gang," Luger said.
Some of those in custody are also accused of making "straw purchases" for the gangs.
The indictment identifies Deontay Jones and Lakesha Coleman as purchasing at least 10 guns in their own names and giving some of them to members of the 1-9 and Stick Up Boys.
"During the two day operation officers recovered nearly a dozen guns. They are guns that will no longer be used to commit crimes, violent crimes, in our community, such as murders, shootings and robberies," Stanek said.
Investigators believe that some of the gang members arrested may have been involved in a shooting earlier this month outside a Denny's restaurant in Brooklyn Center.
Two people were injured, meaning this could be just the beginning of criminal charges.
"To the innocent victims affected by these senseless acts of violence, this is a new and fresh start to restoring your neighborhood," Stanek said.
Brooklyn Center Police Chief Kevin Benner also spoke at Friday's press conference.
He said his city has seen three shootings over the past month, and they could all be related to these arrests.