EvanL
05-12-2004, 07:44 PM
'We have your number,' councillor warns gang members
CURTIS RUSH
STAFF REPORTER THESTAR.COM
Police declared war on one of the most notorious street gangs in Scarborough today after hundreds of police officers raided the homes, businesses and storage units of suspected gang leaders. Sixty-five people were arrested, and over 500 charges laid.
Malvern Crew gang was basically decapitated, said Toronto police Chief Julian Fantino. They have been terrorizing the Malvern community of Scarborough for the past several months, police said.
"It's a good day for the good guys and a great day for the citizens of our communities," declared Durham police chief Kevin McAlpine, who attended a press conference today at Toronto police headquarters, along with Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter and Scarborough councillor Michael Thompson.
Police from Durham, Toronto and the OPP carried out 71 search warrants in a series of co-ordinated pre-dawn raids. In at least one case a home's contents were dumped outside as police pored over everything from computer files to garbage bags.
Officers have recovered 28 firearms, along with a quantity of drugs.
A total of 65 people allegedly connected to the Malvern Crew were arrested and officers laid over 500 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, participation in a criminal organization and various gun and drug offences.
Fantino, who praised new strategies and the co-ordination of several police forces, said the efforts have cut into the "heart and soul" of the gang members. "We're going to dismantle them," he vowed.
The investigation, dubbed Project Impact, started 14 months ago and continues.
During one raid, a suspect entered a Scarborough LRT station, forcing the line to stop running while members of the Emergency Task Force chased and caught him. The line was back up and running by mid-morning.
Kwinter lauded the efforts of the various forces for attacking "the scourge that is being perpetrated across many of our communities."
Fantino said the action is proof of his commitment to root out guns and gangs in Toronto.
The chief said the members of the Malvern community are an important part of the action plan.
Fantino said police will meet community members tonight at 7 at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate, at 150 Tapscott Rd.
Attorney General Michael Bryant said his officials worked very closely with the Toronto police in the weapons raids this morning.
"Our (crown prosecutors) have been working very closely with the police on this investigation," Bryant told CFTO News today.
"What's happening today is the guns-and-gangs approach that this government is moving forward on with crowns and police working together ... dedicated, expert, experienced crown prosecutors working with the best in the police to crack down on these gangs and get the guns."
Thompson (Ward 37, Scarborough Centre) had words of warning to the other gang members who have been shooting up the Scarborough community: "We're going to get you. Will not tolerate this continuous violence in our city. Your days are numbered."
He said council will keep working with the police on Mayor David Miller's community safety plan to usher in a new era of peace in Scarborough. This plan is designed to help those who are willing to help themselves in getting employment and turning away from drugs and street violence.
CURTIS RUSH
STAFF REPORTER THESTAR.COM
Police declared war on one of the most notorious street gangs in Scarborough today after hundreds of police officers raided the homes, businesses and storage units of suspected gang leaders. Sixty-five people were arrested, and over 500 charges laid.
Malvern Crew gang was basically decapitated, said Toronto police Chief Julian Fantino. They have been terrorizing the Malvern community of Scarborough for the past several months, police said.
"It's a good day for the good guys and a great day for the citizens of our communities," declared Durham police chief Kevin McAlpine, who attended a press conference today at Toronto police headquarters, along with Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter and Scarborough councillor Michael Thompson.
Police from Durham, Toronto and the OPP carried out 71 search warrants in a series of co-ordinated pre-dawn raids. In at least one case a home's contents were dumped outside as police pored over everything from computer files to garbage bags.
Officers have recovered 28 firearms, along with a quantity of drugs.
A total of 65 people allegedly connected to the Malvern Crew were arrested and officers laid over 500 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, participation in a criminal organization and various gun and drug offences.
Fantino, who praised new strategies and the co-ordination of several police forces, said the efforts have cut into the "heart and soul" of the gang members. "We're going to dismantle them," he vowed.
The investigation, dubbed Project Impact, started 14 months ago and continues.
During one raid, a suspect entered a Scarborough LRT station, forcing the line to stop running while members of the Emergency Task Force chased and caught him. The line was back up and running by mid-morning.
Kwinter lauded the efforts of the various forces for attacking "the scourge that is being perpetrated across many of our communities."
Fantino said the action is proof of his commitment to root out guns and gangs in Toronto.
The chief said the members of the Malvern community are an important part of the action plan.
Fantino said police will meet community members tonight at 7 at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate, at 150 Tapscott Rd.
Attorney General Michael Bryant said his officials worked very closely with the Toronto police in the weapons raids this morning.
"Our (crown prosecutors) have been working very closely with the police on this investigation," Bryant told CFTO News today.
"What's happening today is the guns-and-gangs approach that this government is moving forward on with crowns and police working together ... dedicated, expert, experienced crown prosecutors working with the best in the police to crack down on these gangs and get the guns."
Thompson (Ward 37, Scarborough Centre) had words of warning to the other gang members who have been shooting up the Scarborough community: "We're going to get you. Will not tolerate this continuous violence in our city. Your days are numbered."
He said council will keep working with the police on Mayor David Miller's community safety plan to usher in a new era of peace in Scarborough. This plan is designed to help those who are willing to help themselves in getting employment and turning away from drugs and street violence.