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NEW YORK - The NYPD says it arrested 18 alleged gang members during an early-morning sweep in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
The alleged gang members, some of whom were as young as 15 years old, are facing a slew of charges, including 2nd-degree murder, conspiracy, weapons possession, and more.
The 85-count indictment targeted 15 alleged members of a subset of the Bloods street gang.
The investigation dates back to an August 2021 nighttime shootout in a park filled with kids.
Surveillance video of the incident shows children converting on a mother with a stroller when the gunfire erupts, to protect her and themselves.
In August 2022, the suspects allegedly went out "spinning," a slang term for going out to find their opponents and shoot them.
"I'd say the thing that sticks out in this investigation is the two homicides of 16-year-old kids that were committed by this gang," said NYPD Captain Ryan Gillis.
In a statement after the takedown, Mayor Eric Adams released a statement that said: "New York City will not tolerate the reckless endangerment of those who choose a path of violence and chaos. Today's action underscores our unwavering commitment to stopping and holding accountable those who threaten our communities."