ARDMORE,Okla. – An investigation one year in the making led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, Ardmore Police and Federal Marshals to nine men.
The men were arrested in connection with what police call one of Ardmore’s most violent gangs.
ATF agents say the gang, who identifies itself as the Ardmore Hoover Crips, has been on their radar for a while because of dangerous crimes.
Police are confident it will significantly reduce crime in Ardmore, but they say their job is not done yet. They say they’re not going away any time soon.
The men arrested face dozens of felony charges including racketeering.
“I’m very confident that this is going to make a significant impact in the gang activity, the result of criminal activity we have here in Ardmore,” Craig Ladd, Carter County DA says.
This small community says it’s ready to see gang violence gone.
“The problem around here is the gun violence, the weapon violence,” a community member said.
“There’s nothing else for our young kids to do,” another woman says.
Police want to assure those living here they are aware of the situation and will continue fighting to take back the streets.
“We will continue to still address the violence in this area, we’re not going away, we’re still working,” Robert Champion ATF special agent says.
They’re putting in long hours to find the men still at large and making sure the community stays safe.
“It aught to make a big impact on things for a while,” Ardmore Police Chief, Ken Grace said.
Police are still looking for three men, Henry Alexander, Justus Swan and Camontrez McCarroll. If you have any information, call Ardmore Police.
