  
|
Gang-related activity in Troy's North Central Neighborhood By Kris Thompson - The Record
An area gang with alleged ties to the Bloods targeted random victims and specific law enforcement personnel during a week-long hazing and initiation period, according to several high-ranking police officials. In what was dubbed "Blood Week," a 7-day celebration honoring one of the founding members, those associated with gangs took to the streets in an attempt to showcase their allegiance to the Bloods, a violent crime organization which has infiltrated the Capital District. While police have publicly downplayed the presence of such gangs, authorities have quietly acknowledged what appears to be a mounting crisis with the influx of possible gang members. Several police officials confirmed a pattern of increased activity attributed to gangs within the last week. Since May 7, the beginning of "Blood Week," at least five separate incidents have been reported to Troy Police. Within the last week there were two separate reports of gunshot fire in the North Central neighborhood, a suspected haven for the Bloods. On May 9 and again late Tuesday, Troy Police reported to an area on Seventh Avenue and Douw Street for gunfire. Police retrieved about 10 shell casings from the two incidents. However, there were no arrests. Neighbors in the area said they are all too familiar with the shootings. "It has become a way of life," said one longtime resident of the area. "It's not a city anymore, it's a battleground for drugs and gangs. Little kids are walking around the streets with guns now. It's not safe to go out." Most of the residents in the area offered the same sentiments as their neighbor. All stated their fears, but few wanted their names released. During Blood Week, the North Central area was a sea of red clothing, in an apparent tribute to the Bloods. Troy Police downplayed the significance of the choice of clothing worn by individuals who may have gang ties. "We have seen the colors," said Assistant Police Chief Nicholas Kaiser, who also serves as the city's gang expert. "But that doesn't necessarily mean they were worn by gang members." Kaiser said it wouldn't make a difference. "It's not illegal to belong to a gang," he said. Kaiser, who was on sick leave during Blood Week, said he was unaware of the alleged occurrences. However, Kaiser said the city and its police force are aware of the alleged gang activity. "We are giving it our attention," said Kaiser. "We are certainly addressing the problems. We want them out of here, and we will do whatever it takes. We just want to get the word out -- don't come here." But it appears as if the gangs aren't listening, according to one North Central businessman. "The Bloods are here," said Mark Gaffney, who operates Shapla Grocery in the heart of North Central. "And I was told more are coming up from the city. From what I hear, they are coming to make their bones," said Gaffney, referring to the gang's initiation process. "There are full-fledged gang members in this city." Gaffney said he has been confronted on numerous occasions after attempting to stop them from selling drugs on the corner of Sixth and Douw. "I've been told to mind my own business or else," said Gaffney. "They told me they would shoot me. They have no respect and no fear. I live with this terror day in and day out. It is scary." However, Gaffney refuses to give in. When asked why he lives under a cloak of danger, Gaffney responded he had no choice. "I got a lot of bills to pay," he said. Residents said the constant illegal activities has become a way of life. "We're tired of reporting them to police," said a Seventh Avenue woman who has resided in the neighborhood for more than 50 years. "They get arrested and then days later they're back doing what they were doing before. But when they come back a second and third time, they start looking for the people that turned them in." In cooperation with Troy United Ink Corp., a not-for-profit corporation 
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
