In Brooklyn, seven alleged members of the 8-Trey Crips gang were indicted on charges of attempted murder and criminal possession of a firearm as part of a coordinated effort to combat gang-related violence. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department announced the indictments as part of a larger effort to reduce shootings and improve public safety in the neighborhood. According to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, these actions are the result of both long-term conspiracy investigations and quick responses to particular criminal cases.
These episodes, stemming from three months of violence in East Flatbush, mostly involve suspected gang members allegedly opening fire on their perceived competitors, putting local residents at risk. The District Attorney’s Office remarked, “These incidents, where only innocent bystanders were struck or almost hit, exemplify how dangerous this criminal behavior can be and why it is vital for us to take swift action.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also emphasized the significant gang takedowns carried out this year, with over 300 arrests and 230 illicit guns seized.
The raid follows a slew of incidents linked to a certain subset of Crips operating under the Woo umbrella. The suspects, ages 15 to 21, have been charged with second-degree attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Notably, two shootings involved innocent bystanders: one woman stated that a bullet just missed her inside a salon, while another was injured in the hand. Mayor Eric Adams praised the arrests, saying, “We will never allow gang members to commit violence and act with impunity on New York City’s streets.”
The arrests follow joint investigations by the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division and the 67th Precinct Detective Squad. The indictment allegations portray a bleak image of gang violence overflowing into public places, including a salon and a roadway where children were visible. In one alleged instance, a suspect is heard on film saying, “He’s right there; blow that shit,” indicating the location of a target for firing. The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorneys Kellen Michuda and James Buchsbaum, believes that evidence from video and ballistic examinations is critical to constructing a case against the alleged gang members.
Bail has been set for multiple defendants, ranging from $20,000 to $500,000, while two have been ordered out without bail. As the legal process progresses, the neighborhood hopes for a return to calm and safe streets. The District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD have pledged to continue their watchful efforts against violent criminal networks, putting public safety first in all New York neighborhoods.