Skip to main content

Uptown Block Boyz had begun to control their neighborhood through a mix of drug-based crime and violent threats

Those facing drug charges are Miguel Clavell, 22; Denisse Brito, 24; Jorge Brito, 20; and Santos Rodriguez-Ruiz, 33. Those facing weapons charges are Anthony Colon, 19; Christian Perez, 20; Steven Miranda, 19; and a 17-year-old boy attending Cunning Alternative School. A ninth person, Ramon Erazo, 46, was arrested on an outstanding contempt of court charge, although he is not believed to be a member of the gang. Authorities brought drug and weapons charges against the nine they say are affiliated with the Uptown Block Boyz gang centered on North Seventh Street in Vineland. Police said they arrested nine people connected to a gang operating near downtown Vineland.
Police said they simultaneously searched two apartments in the street's 200 block March 20 and found 10 ounces of marijuana packaged for distribution and less than an ounce of cocaine at the two homes.Police had previously arrested four other gang members on weapons charges in February after finding three semi-automatic handguns and a revolver visible in their vehicle parked outside the new Wal-Mart on Landis Avenue.Detectives waited till Thursday to announce the arrests because their investigation remains open.
Vineland police Lt. Tom Ulrich said the investigation was led by the department's Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, which is targeting gangs in the city.
The Uptown Block Boyz had begun to control their neighborhood through a mix of drug-based crime and violent threats, Ulrich said Thursday. The gang also has an increased presence at the city's high school, as indicated by the fact that one of those arrested was a 17-year-old boy."We're trying to target groups and gangs that are involved in violent crime," Ulrich said, adding later, "The ones that haven't been taken in yet ought to be worried."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

William (Billy) Bowden pleaded guilty in a Winnipeg courtroom today to carrying a firearm in a careless manner in January 2007

William (Billy) Bowden, 33, pleaded guilty in a Winnipeg courtroom today to carrying a firearm in a careless manner in January 2007 and skipping out on his preliminary hearing about a year later. Other drug and weapons charges related to the 2007 incident were stayed as part of a plea bargain securing the two convictions. Bowden remains in custody though, charged with manslaughter in relation to the November 2007 killing of Jeff Engen, who was fatally stabbed at the Empire Cabaret, prompting the club to close. That charge remains before the courts. Bowden has been in custody since he was arrested Feb. 14 in Whistler, B.C., and returned to Manitoba. The Crown and defence jointly recommended that time be noted in his sentence for carrying the firearm. That crime occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2007, as Bowden was leaving the NV lounge in a truck with friend Ken Houston, court heard. Police discovered a Glock 9mm handgun loaded with 18 bullets in a pile of garbage close to where the...

Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club compound,Ronald B. Campbell,Andrea G. Reeder,Dylan C. Grose,William C. Casteel.arrested

Four people were arrested on suspected drug charges, including the group's leader.Methamphetamine was found at the Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club compound at West 19th Avenue and South Gum Street. Benton County Undersheriff Paul Hart said they needed so many officers as a "precautionary" step because the Gypsy Jokers are known to be connected to drugs and other criminal activities."It is an outlaw motorcycle gang with convicted felons who reside there," Hart said. "We gear up to meet that threat."Some stolen property and a couple of weapons also were seized, he said. The Violent Crimes Task Force, made up of federal agents and local police detectives, raided the club house and two homes at 5 a.m.The Benton County Regional SWAT team and the Yakima SWAT team were used to help search all the buildings."Because of the large site ... it makes it difficult to secure and make sure everybody is safe," Hart said. "The Violent Crimes Task Force ... ...

Chanh Duc (Hector) Ho arrested faces eight charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping

Chanh Duc (Hector) Ho, 21, of Toronto, was arrested early yesterday near Yonge St. and Finch Ave. He faces eight charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping. A police source alleged Ho has ties to the Chin Pak street gang. Also arrested in yesterday's raids on drug and weapons offences were Eric Ho, 19, of Toronto, Chi Duc David Ho, 18, of Markham, Thang Ho, 49, of Markham, and a 17-year-old Toronto girl, who can't be identified.