NYPD busts 18 alleged gang members linked to murders, shootings in Brooklyn takedown

NYPD gang takedown makes over a dozen arrests

An NYPD gang takedown arrested more than a dozen alleged gang members in an early-morning raid Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to make the city's streets and playgrounds safe from gunfire.

NEW YORK - The NYPD says it arrested 18 alleged gang members during an early-morning sweep in Brooklyn on Wednesday.

The alleged gang members, some of whom were as young as 15 years old, are facing a slew of charges, including 2nd-degree murder, conspiracy, weapons possession, and more.

The 85-count indictment targeted 15 alleged members of a subset of the Bloods street gang.

The investigation dates back to an August 2021 nighttime shootout in a park filled with kids.

Surveillance video of the incident shows children converting on a mother with a stroller when the gunfire erupts, to protect her and themselves.

In August 2022, the suspects allegedly went out "spinning," a slang term for going out to find their opponents and shoot them.

"I'd say the thing that sticks out in this investigation is the two homicides of 16-year-old kids that were committed by this gang," said NYPD Captain Ryan Gillis.

In a statement after the takedown, Mayor Eric Adams released a statement that said: "New York City will not tolerate the reckless endangerment of those who choose a path of violence and chaos. Today's action underscores our unwavering commitment to stopping and holding accountable those who threaten our communities."