All articles tagged with #violent crimes
Three men, all convicted of violent crimes including murder, escaped a Georgia jail and hijacked a Lyft to flee to Florida, where they used the driver’s credit cards and vehicle before being recaptured. The incident involved threats and violence against the driver, and the men were tracked down using license plate readers after a multi-state pursuit.
A manhunt is underway for two inmates, Omarion Hookfin and Jamarcus Cyprian, who escaped from Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Louisiana. Two other escapees, Avery Guidry and Travon Johnson, were captured hiding in a dumpster. The inmates, all connected to violent crimes, exploited a vulnerable section of the jail's perimeter fence. Authorities are investigating the escape, citing lack of supervision and staffing issues as contributing factors.
Over 40 alleged Boston gang members, part of the Heath Street Gang, were arrested on federal charges for using children in violent crimes, including acting as lookouts, holding guns and drugs, and participating in shootings. The suspects are also accused of financial crimes such as COVID fraud and retail theft, allegedly using COVID relief funds to purchase over 100 guns. Authorities seized more than 60 guns, linking them to three murders and multiple shootings, including one that injured a 9-year-old girl in 2016.
Cincinnati police responded to at least three violent incidents, including a stabbing on West Eighth Street, a possible shooting on Sidney Ave., and a shooting on Sunset Ave. Injuries were reported in each incident, with the victims being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Memphis DJ 'Slick Rick' was found decapitated in his home by his brother, sparking an ongoing investigation by the Memphis Police Department. The city's reputation for violent and inexplicable crimes is further highlighted by this gruesome incident, adding to a list of recent tragedies including a doctor's murder, a random shooting spree, and an abduction near the University of Memphis campus.
The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri, operated by private contractors, has increasingly produced ammunition for the commercial market as military demand has decreased. The plant has become one of the largest manufacturers of commercial rounds for AR-15-style rifles, with its ammunition being used in crimes, including mass shootings. While the majority of rounds are sold to law-abiding citizens, some have been seized from criminals and tied to high-profile shootings. Contractors at the plant have expressed concern about the connection between their ammunition and violent crimes.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed new legislation, known as the ACT Now bill, that would roll back progressive police reforms implemented after the death of George Floyd. The proposal aims to address the spike in violent crimes in the city and includes measures to target organized retail thefts and open-air drug markets. The bill would limit the disclosure of officer disciplinary actions, redefine the definition of a chokehold, and allow officers to view body-worn camera footage before writing their reports. Critics argue that the reforms have hindered law enforcement's ability to ensure public safety, while others express disappointment and believe the proposal does not adequately address the root causes of crime. Violent crime in DC has increased significantly, with homicides reaching a 20-year high and carjackings rising by 108% compared to last year.
A man in his 60s, believed to be an innocent bystander, was fatally shot near a gas station in north Harris County, Texas. The shooting occurred around 10:20 p.m., and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance video showed the victim standing in front of the store moments before the gunfire erupted. Investigators found about two dozen shell casings and believe at least two shooters fired shots from a dark-colored car. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of violent crimes in the area, with several murders reported in the vicinity this year.
Trent Thompson, a Texas escaped inmate convicted of three counts of aggravated robbery and an aggravated assault on a public servant, was recaptured on Sunday in Coleman, Texas, about 250 miles from the prison. Thompson was last seen on Saturday at the Formby Unit in Plainview, Texas. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is looking for an escaped inmate convicted of violent crimes to ensure public safety.
Robert Contee III, the chief of D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department, is retiring from his position and taking a job with the FBI. Contee became chief in May 2021 and dealt with an increase in violent crimes, especially gun violence involving young people. The police force is down almost 12%, from 3,800 sworn officers when Contee became chief to 3,362 as of April. His last day with the MPD will be June 3.