Thread: 2nd gang killing in 2 days

2nd gang killing in two days
JOLIET POLICE:


April 19, 2008
By BRIAN STANLEY Staff Writer
JOLIET -- Police said a gang member was shot to death Thursday in the city's second gang-related killing in as many days.

The shooting occurred at 10:02 p.m. outside the Phillips 66 gas station at McDonough and Chicago streets.

Chief Fred Hayes said witnesses told police the incident began when three or four men walked up to a large group of people gathered in the gas station's parking lot.

"They were completely dressed in black clothing including hooded sweat shirts and wearing white Halloween masks, like the character from the 'Scream' movies," Hayes said.

The masked men began shooting at the group, striking several vehicles and Nehemiah Ammons, 28, in the head and back. The assailants then ran to a car parked nearby on Eastern Avenue. The car, described as a tan or gray Buick Regal with a maroon stripe on the sides, was driven westbound on Interstate 80 from Chicago Street.


Crowd control

Hayes said 911 was notified about the shots, which were also heard by nearby officers.
"Following the shooting a large crowd gathered while officers attempted to secure the scene and allow the ambulance to get in," Hayes said. "Officers had to stop several individuals from interfering with the integrity of the crime scene."

Police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd and arrested seven people.

Investigators found 18 spent shell casings,not all of the same caliber.

Ammons was found lying between the gas pumps and the station's front doors. Once ambulance personnel were able to approach, he was taken to Silver Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:40 p.m.

"The victim is a member of a street gang operating in that neighborhood," Hayes said.


Seven arrested

Ammons, of 412 S. Water St. in Joliet, was arrested by Joliet police on drug charges in August 2001 and February 2005.
Melvin Ammons Sr., 59, Melvin Ammons Jr., 21, and Jacob K. Ammons, 20, who also live at that address, were among those arrested for allegedly interfering with police following the shooting. Melvin Ammons Sr. was arrested on a charge of obstructing a police officer and was released on bond.

Melvin Ammons Jr. and Jacob Ammons were arrested and booked into the county jail with Mark A. Bew Jr., 18, of 108 Old Elm Road in Joliet, Justin D. Campbell, 19, of 1850 Asbury Circle in Joliet, and Crystal L. McDonald, 38, of 1304 Arthur Ave in Joliet, on charges of mob action and obstructing a police officer. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested.

Hayes said investigators have viewed the station's surveillance video of the shooting and its aftermath.


Wednesday killing

Ammons' shooting follows Wednesday night's slaying of Alfredo Lopez outside a Walgreens drug store on Cass Street. The 40-year-old Joliet man was walking with his two sons through the parking lot when he was struck by a stray bullet from a nearby gang fight.
Police called Lopez "an innocent party" and have charged a suspect with his murder. That suspect, Daniel I. Huizar, was arrested Friday.

Police said the two shootings do not appear to be related. Hayes said Thursday's shooting may have retaliation for other shootings in that area over the past two months. Police will increase patrols this week in the areas of the slayings.

Anyone with information about Thursday's shooting is asked to call detectives at (815) 724-3020 or anonymously call CrimeStoppers at (800) 323-6734.


http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/hera ... S1.article

18 shots and they only killed 1 gang member....what a waste of bullets!

Way past time to really crack down on gangs. How about deprotation of any gang member even if not convicted of a crime, even if we have to go back oh say 6 or 10 generation of the family to find a country to send them to

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