advertisement

Chicago police crack down on gangs ahead of holiday weekend

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago police say they've arrested dozens of suspected gang members and others on weapons, drugs and other charges in a series of raids that took place ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

Police say the overnight raids conducted by city police officers and federal agents ended with 71 arrests, the seizure of 17 weapons and the closure of a child daycare facility they suspect was being used as a gun stash house.

The raids were the result of what has become a familiar strategy by police in which teams of officers make such arrests just prior to holiday weekends. The timing of the raids means that dozens of people police say are responsible for much of the city's street crimes are in custody during holiday weekends when crime typically spikes.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.