Dozens of people police believe to be gang members were arrested and indicted in New York City Wednesday in what authorities are calling one of the largest gang sweeps in the city's history.
"The takedown targeting alleged gang members who terrorized the Manhattanville and Grant Houses for years with at least 20 shootings and two murders, including the shooting death of a promising basketball star." (Via NY1)
According to The New York Times, more than 400 New York City Police Department officers rushed into the two Harlem housing projects around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. The paper reports 29 search warrants were executed in the operation, and a grand total of 103 people were indicted.
Authorities say the gangs busted Wednesday are the same people responsible for a bloody gang turf war that resulted in the shooting death of up-and-coming basketball star Tayshana "Chicken" Murphy. (Via WNYW)
Grantland reports the nationally ranked point guard was gunned down in her own building Sept. 10, 2011, as she begged for mercy. She was just 18 years old.
"They took something away from us that was so valuable and so precious. She didn't even have anything to do with anything. I mean, it was just senseless." (Via WABC)
Police told the New York Post it was Murphy's murder that prompted them to conduct a years-long investigation into the violent turf war.
And local residents say they're happy police are cracking down on violence in the area.
"If that's what it's gonna take to clean up the streets, then that's what they have to do." (Via WABC)
A complete list of those arrested during Wednesday's raid and the charges against them is expected to be released during a news conference at NYPD headquarters later Wednesday.
