Two known gangs have set up shop in Live Oak, according to Det. Justin Bates of the Live Oak Police Department.
Bates said authorities have identified the gangs as the West Side Folk and the New World Alliance. The New World Alliance is reportedly "a white supremacist/anarchy group," said Bates. The gangs are not very organized at this point and little is known about them, he added.
Bates said the gangs are not a major problem -- yet. He said law enforcement officers are addressing the situation before it gets out of hand. "We want to be more proactive than reactive," said Bates.
Bates said some gang members have been charged with burglaries and thefts and have "tagged" some property with graffiti.
Most of the gang members are local juveniles, said Bates, though the leaders came here from bigger cities.
To help combat the problem, Bates and sheriff's deputy David Crutchfield attended a gang investigation certification class sponsored by the Florida Gang Investigators Association recently. There they learned about gangs and gang activity and how to prevent it.
Bates said he and Crutchfield are participating in an in-service training program along with other officers and plan to provide training to school district employees later in the summer.
Bates and Crutchfield have also done presentations for other agencies in the area.
Local News
May 8, 2008
GANGS TAKE ROOT HERE
White supremacist group identified
- Local News
-
-
Free community fitness at parks
-
Motorcyclist walks away from collision with car
-
Outbreak of Cinara aphids in south county reported
-
Branford High's Karen Koon named district teacher of the year
-
Students raise funds for Evan’s Cause
-
Closing date approaching on quota liquor licensing
-
Road to Olustee at Suwannee Museum
-
Best Super Bowl ad? Vote for your favorite
Naked M&Ms, an out-of-shape dog on a mission and Clint Eastwood delivering a passionate speech about American adversity -- these are among the favorite commercials that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl.
-
Prisoner transport vehicle involved in wreck
A Jacksonville man was traveling down the wrong side of I-10 when he crashed into the van.
-
Man suffers serious injuries on CR 137 crash
Glen St. Mary man was also involved in hit and run crash in Columbia County prior to this one, FHP reported.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
