On Wednesday evening about 9 pm, an 18 year old reported being attacked by 2 males "representing the bloods".  The young twirps told him they were going to "whip his ass" because he had on a red shirt.    A March 12 incident, Shots Fired, More Gang Violence, began with a "You better get that red shirt off" and escallated to a gun being fired.

Officer Gary Hines responded to Lord Avenue, off of north Sims Street, and found the attacked youth with a swollen eye, a small knot on his head along with scratches.  His mother requested a report be filed and then she transported him to the hospital to be checked.

The 2 attackers were described as young juveniles.  Because of their age, the Department of Juvenile Justice will ultimately determines if any charges would be made against these youth.

David Mahan of Frontline Youth Communications, Columbus Ohio, talked about the gang issue with us last week.

He stated he works with a lot of small rural communities and one challenge is that communities don't want to realize there is a gang issue in their community.  Last week, David Mahan spoke with youth, parents and others about abstinence.

"When we hold our hands over our eyes and act like the problem is not happening, we are actually at the same time increasing the rate of drug activity in that community." 

Mr Mahan stated, and added that "law enforcement will tell you that there is nothing worse than a wannabe gang" because they have no standards. 

"A wannabe gang" Mr Mahan stated, "is just trying to act out until something really crazy happens."  He said that "The wannabe gangs never get the eye of the community or the law enforcement until it is too late."  He urged everyone not to take this situation lightly.

District Attorney Joe Mulholland stated his office is taking an aggressive stance towards gang violence saying that gangs are definitely on the radar of all law enforcement.  Under the Georgia statute, he told us, criminal gang activity is sometimes difficult to prove. 

Mr Mulholland went on to say that whenever there are other crimes involved, they take a hard look at gang affiliation.  "It's not enough just to know they are part of a gang, it has to be proven in court." District Attorney Mulholland stated.

Other incidents in March
Youth Reports Attack at Boat Basin, March 21

Gang Assaults Teen, March 6

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