Spike in Gang Activity Keeps Police on Lookout for Dangerous Behavior
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: November 14, 2012
BLOOMINGTON - After shots rang out on Orchard Road last week some began to wonder if their safety is at risk.
According to police there are two parts to that answer.
The double shooting is an isolated incident, connected to gang activity, but people should be on the lookout for dangerous behavior.
"Once you get these people living next door to each other not liking each other then you start to have your conflict," said Clay Wheeler.
Wheeler is the Assistant Chief at the Bloomington Police Department.
He says people often join gangs when they feel there's nowhere else to turn...and it starts at a young age.
"Junior high at least," said Wheeler. "If you aren't indoctrinated by junior high then you're probably not going to get into it."
But police say there's behavior people can look for.
Warning signs include:
-Changes in friends and behavior
-Wearing clothing all one color
-A gain in money
-Alcohol and drug use
-Staying out late
"If they don't have the proper control and discipline in their life, people looking out for them, they might take the wrong turns," Wheeler explained.
That's why officers now make rounds through schools in District 87 and Unit Five, even working with elementary students.
"It gives us a good communication tool between the police department what's going on in the streets and what's going on in the streets," said Unit five Superintendent Gary Niehaus.
Officers say if they can get through to gang members before its too late, they won't have to clean up situations like the Orchard Road shooting.
Five of the six members involved in the shooting have been arrested.
Just one suspect, 25 year old Deandre Daniels is still on the run.
According to police there are two parts to that answer.
The double shooting is an isolated incident, connected to gang activity, but people should be on the lookout for dangerous behavior.
"Once you get these people living next door to each other not liking each other then you start to have your conflict," said Clay Wheeler.
Wheeler is the Assistant Chief at the Bloomington Police Department.
He says people often join gangs when they feel there's nowhere else to turn...and it starts at a young age.
"Junior high at least," said Wheeler. "If you aren't indoctrinated by junior high then you're probably not going to get into it."
But police say there's behavior people can look for.
Warning signs include:
-Changes in friends and behavior
-Wearing clothing all one color
-A gain in money
-Alcohol and drug use
-Staying out late
"If they don't have the proper control and discipline in their life, people looking out for them, they might take the wrong turns," Wheeler explained.
That's why officers now make rounds through schools in District 87 and Unit Five, even working with elementary students.
"It gives us a good communication tool between the police department what's going on in the streets and what's going on in the streets," said Unit five Superintendent Gary Niehaus.
Officers say if they can get through to gang members before its too late, they won't have to clean up situations like the Orchard Road shooting.
Five of the six members involved in the shooting have been arrested.
Just one suspect, 25 year old Deandre Daniels is still on the run.
