Thread: MS 13 'Gang' grafitti mars local signs, buildings in NC

'Gang' grafitti mars local signs, buildings
BRIAN RAPP
October 12, 2005

Clayton Police Chief Gary Ragland admits there is a potentially growing gang problem in and around Clayton.
Graffiti typically used by the Bloods, Crips and MS-13, the new, notoriously vicious Hispanic gang based in El Salvador, has been discovered on pavement, sidewalks, street signs, railroad crossing gates and trestles and buildings – just about any place that offers a canvas to paint on.

But both Ragland and Lt. Jon Gerrell believe the rash of graffiti that appeared around South Lombard Street and Front Street the weekend of Oct. 1 was the work of a small group of juvenile gang “wannabes.�

Police investigated 19 separate incidents of property vandalism between Oct. 2 and 3, according to written reports. In every case, the phrase “CB13� appeared, usually in spray paint.

The vandals defaced street signs at Hamby and Lombard streets, a late-model car, a railroad crossing box and the side of a building the night of Oct. 1.

The following day, the group hit 11 different places, spraying the CB13 logo on signs at Alder and Butternut streets and on Sleepy Creek Drive, a car and van at the Robin’s Nest Daycare center, two school buses and the driveway at West Clayton Elementary School, the entranceway to Clayton Estates, a vinyl fence off Meadow Road and the pavement on Woodbriar Street.

Total damages, as estimated by the reports, came to approximately $8,500.

“I do not think, based on the evidence we’ve uncovered, that we’re dealing with an actual organized gang,� Ragland said Monday. “This is more the work of a few juveniles imitating a gang.�

Gerrell said that as of Oct. 7, at least four suspects had been questioned and identified as having taken part in the vandalism of all the properties involved. Gerrell said at least one of the four was over 16 years old.

Ragland could not confirm Monday if charges had been filed against any of the suspects. Detective John Parker said Monday morning he did expect charges to be filed this week.

“We have seen evidence of gang activity in Clayton for several years now,� Ragland said. “The tagging (painted signs) is the first indication, and there is some evidence that some of these home invasions involving Hispanic owners are gang related.�

Ragland said that even though this particular rash of “taggings� was apparently not the work of an organized gang, “we’re treating any incidents like this as if they are.�

The chief said the department is preparing a public service announcement for the community on the subject of gang activity and should have it ready for release in several weeks.


http://www.claytonnews-star.com/news/2005101201777.html

sounds like want-to-be's.

I would not count on that. The authorities may be engaged in wishful thinking here or disbelief. Weve got em all over Wake Co especially in the East around Zebulon.

Clayton is just a bit south of there.

W