BSO: 6-Month Investigation Leads To Arrest Of Juvenile Gang Leader
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BROWARD (CBSMiami) -- A six-month investigation into home burglaries in Broward County has led to the arrest of the suspected ringleader.
On Wednesday night, 17-year-old Wisdom Williams was arrested in Hallandale Beach on outstanding warrants for burglary, aggravated assault and resistance without violence.
Williams is in juvenile detention but prosecutors plan to charge him as an adult.
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BSO Sheriff Scott Israel credits the newly formed Burglary Apprehension Team (BAT) with apprehending Williams and nine others in the last sixth months.
Gang members were known to kick in the front doors of residences and steal jewelry, electronics, personal information and anything else of value.
BAT detectives began conducting surveillance and arrested three suspects last August but through their surveillance realized the enterprise went far beyond those three.
It's believed there are 100 members of the gang and that they are responsible for 100 burglaries.
"They're a group of kids, young adults breaking into houses stealing from us while we're at work and school," said BSO Lt. Steve Feeley.
According to Sgt. Valerie Devlin, the gang would target homes where the doors swing inward making kicking in the doors easier.
"They will drive around, do surveillance, knock on your door to see if anyone is home. Sometimes they will even park in your driveway," said Devlin.
The sheriff said BAT has cut down home burglaries in Broward thirty percent since it was formed.
"Broward without question is a safer place today with the arrest of Wisdom and many of his gang members," said Israel.
