A Duck's a Duck- From Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Article published Jul 2, 2005
Violence-prone group could be gang forerunner
Law enforcement officials are investigating what is described as a loosely organized group of about two-dozen young men who are believed to have been attacking people at random in the Acadiana area. There is a possibility that gang activity is developing here. It is essential that it be stopped while still in the "loosely organized" stage.
Officials have responded quickly to violence believed linked to the groups. After receiving a tip, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department officers moved in on the scene of a potential battle between opposing groups. A search of the vehicles at the scene had disturbing results. Deputies found bats, sticks fashioned as clubs and a Taser on the front seats of the vehicles. They appeared to have been placed for quick access.
The same group, according to the Sheriff's Office, may have been involved in acts of violence such as running vehicles off the road and vandalizing property, as well as launching physical attacks. There is a possible link to a stabbing at a local restaurant.
The department is avoiding the use of the word "gang" in relation to the group because at this point it appears to lack the characteristics typical of organized gangs. Fortunately, a close watch is being kept and investigations conducted by local law enforcement agencies and state police. This type of concerned watchfulness is essential. A loosely organized group committed to violent acts can quickly turn into an organized gang.
The public should also be on guard. Parents should know the early signs of gang involvement. A national organization called Youth Opportunities Unlimited cites behavioral changes in young people that can indicate such involvement. They include a decline in grades, truancy, graffiti on school folders and clothes or in the youth's room, wearing of a certain style or color of clothes, breaking of curfew, changing friends, drug and/or alcohol use, or possession of money or items that a parent cannot explain.
Involvement of a child with a group of friends in delinquent or criminal behavior may be another sign. Some gang members devise hand signals to communicate with other gang members, the organization says. Use of such signals should alert parents.
Hopefully, the quick action by law enforcement agencies has lessened the potential for one local group to develop into an organized and dangerous gang. The group's activities, however, are a warning sign. Development of gangs in our community is a threat that must be blocked. The entire community must be on guard.
Violence-prone group could be gang forerunner
Law enforcement officials are investigating what is described as a loosely organized group of about two-dozen young men who are believed to have been attacking people at random in the Acadiana area. There is a possibility that gang activity is developing here. It is essential that it be stopped while still in the "loosely organized" stage.
Officials have responded quickly to violence believed linked to the groups. After receiving a tip, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department officers moved in on the scene of a potential battle between opposing groups. A search of the vehicles at the scene had disturbing results. Deputies found bats, sticks fashioned as clubs and a Taser on the front seats of the vehicles. They appeared to have been placed for quick access.
The same group, according to the Sheriff's Office, may have been involved in acts of violence such as running vehicles off the road and vandalizing property, as well as launching physical attacks. There is a possible link to a stabbing at a local restaurant.
The department is avoiding the use of the word "gang" in relation to the group because at this point it appears to lack the characteristics typical of organized gangs. Fortunately, a close watch is being kept and investigations conducted by local law enforcement agencies and state police. This type of concerned watchfulness is essential. A loosely organized group committed to violent acts can quickly turn into an organized gang.
The public should also be on guard. Parents should know the early signs of gang involvement. A national organization called Youth Opportunities Unlimited cites behavioral changes in young people that can indicate such involvement. They include a decline in grades, truancy, graffiti on school folders and clothes or in the youth's room, wearing of a certain style or color of clothes, breaking of curfew, changing friends, drug and/or alcohol use, or possession of money or items that a parent cannot explain.
Involvement of a child with a group of friends in delinquent or criminal behavior may be another sign. Some gang members devise hand signals to communicate with other gang members, the organization says. Use of such signals should alert parents.
Hopefully, the quick action by law enforcement agencies has lessened the potential for one local group to develop into an organized and dangerous gang. The group's activities, however, are a warning sign. Development of gangs in our community is a threat that must be blocked. The entire community must be on guard.
posted by Steve Nawojczyk at
6:55 PM
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