Tip Submitted to Stop Houston Gangs Website Leads to Arrests

Houston-Area Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Also Announces New Features on Website

Houston police, joined by numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 100 suspects involved in organized criminal activity thanks to a single tip from hundreds provided to the Stop Houston Gangs website.

Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr.; Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia; Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos; United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Stephen L. Morris; members of the Houston-Area Multi-Agency Gang Task Force (MAGTF); and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies announced the large scale success at a news conference today (Wednesday, April 11, 2012).

Following a shooting incident at Tidwell Park, 9700 Spaulding, on May 10, 2011, in which a 23-year-old male and a 14-year-old juvenile suffered non life-threatening gunshots wounds, a northeast Houston area resident submitted a tip to the Stop Houston Gangs website asking for help with gang-related criminal activity in the community.

Members of the Houston-Area MAGTF immediately mapped out a strategy to address gang issues in northeast Houston. An investigation was initiated and information was developed that identified several suspects. Further investigation identified several gangs involved in organized criminal activity. As a result of the combined efforts, 142 arrests have been made, as well as the recovery of several guns, narcotics, and cash.

In continuing to capitalize on the recent successes, the Houston-Area Multi-Agency Gang Task Force (MAGTF) announced new features on the Stop Houston Gangs website, including the “Top Ten Most Wanted Gang Fugitives,” which include photos and summaries of the cases for which the gang members are being sought. There will also be a weekly “Featured Fugitive.” Both areas will include a link to submit anonymous tips.

As part of the public awareness campaign beginning this week, billboards advertising the website will be placed in areas of Houston and Harris County. In addition, Clear Channel Outdoor’s Houston Division has also graciously donated digital billboard space to post the Featured Fugitives each week.

In the Houston area, more than 12,000 documented gang members belonging to more than 200 gangs have been documented by area law enforcement agencies.

There are approximately 1.4 million gang members belonging to more than 33,000 gangs in the U.S.

Anyone wishing to report criminal gang activity or wanting more information about anti-gang efforts in the Houston area can go to www.stophoustongangs.org.

The Houston Police Department can be contacted at 713-308-3280 or www.houstonpolice.org.