Police Cracking Down On Violent Drug Gang In West Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Word of the arrests in the murder of Arnesha Bowers comes just hours after police announce they've broken up a drug gang responsible for much of the bloodshed in the streets.
WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren with more on the arrests.
Three of these gang members are still on the loose. They were running the streets near Poplar Grove and North Avenue. Police are trying to connect five confiscated guns to other crimes across the city.
Police say they have cracked down on a violent drug gang operating in West Baltimore--dealing in heroin and cocaine--and have indictments against 11 members, including Kevin Pyatt, charged with shooting nine-year-old Eli Memorial Day weekend as the little boy played basketball outside his home.
"And then, they just start shooting," said Eli.
He was hit in his leg and foot.
"I heard this screech, and then boom. And I ran outside saying, 'My child, my child!'" his mother, Brenda Murphy, said.
These are some of the guns investigators recovered. They say the gang controlled several blocks of West Baltimore, including at Poplar Grove Street and Westwood Avenue.
Police say that corner is the epicenter from where the gang operated. They didn't have a name as far they know. Authorities have been cracking down on this gang for two months.
"This does not end here. We will continue to arrest those offenders who are causing destruction in our communities," said Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.
This week, authorities also announced indictments against several members of another gang--the Black Guerilla Family. They are still looking for Daquan Burman, known as "Day-Day" on the street.
"We believe he may still be in the area and we're asking anyone who comes into contact with him or may know where he is to contact us," said Amy Thoreson, FBI.
"It's crazy out. Real bad. I don't know what they're doing. I don't know why they're killing each other. It makes no sense at all, really," said Regina Brown.
The arrests are progress--in a community that remains terrorized by violence.
"He can't go out there and play like he's supposed to. He can't be safe in his neighborhood," said Murphy.
City leaders have praised the increased rewards being offered by Metro Crime Stoppers. As for "Day-Day..." the BGF member, the FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
