EXCLUSIVE: Behind the scenes of NYPD takedown of Brooklyn gang linked to murders, shootings

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NYPD gang takedown makes over a dozen arrests

An NYPD gang takedown arrested more than a dozen alleged gang members in an early-morning raid Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to make the city's streets and playgrounds safe from gunfire.

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."