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Gang Sweep In Charlotte Nets 9 Suspected Members

POSTED: 11:16 p.m. EDT June 13, 2005

Charlotte, NC -- Police officers and federal immigration agents said Monday evening that they arrested nine suspected gang members in one week.

Three of the arrests were made last Thursday.

The sweep is part of Operation Community Shield, a national anti-gang effort in Charlotte and five other U.S. cities.

People who live in northeast Charlotte saw one of their neighbors arrested.

"I just saw a bunch of police go in the house, taking pictures, stuff like that," said Temeka Meeks.

Captain Eddie Levins said the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is working with the Immigration Customs Enforcement group to get the most violent criminals off the street

"We're able to identify them better and take them off the street before they commit crime locally," said Levins.