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Permalink Reply by Marian Boutet on December 14, 2009 at 11:54pm

The newscast mentioned the gangs "Thurston Zoo" and Plymouth Roc." Thurston Zoo is a local gang of some vintage, many of whose members were arrested and incarcerated about 10 years ago as a result of a major police operation. I had heard a couple of years ago that many of them had been released. Sounds like they're back in action and almost certainly have added have new members as well.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on December 15, 2009 at 12:23am

Yes, Marian, to the best of my knowledge, the Thurston Zoo has been out of jail as sentences are released and often early. This is all hearsay, no direct knowledge, but... the news report indicated gang activity may be responsible for setting fires in vacant houses for initiation.

The Fire Department from the City has allocated additional members into this area to help and Arson is investigating. It certainly would be helpful if additional PAC TAC members could walk during each weeknight. Any members want to step up?

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on December 15, 2009 at 7:22pm

Interesting and scary/sad story - and, in direct contradiction to information given at the Oct. Thurston Streetwatch meeting! During that meeting, an audience member asked about fires/shootings being related to gang activity. One of the officials at the meeting said that the recent crimes in the 19th ward were NOT gang related and that there was 'nothing to worry about' - he went on to say that 'if you were in any danger, we'd let you know'...... So, now we have another official clearly stating that the 19th ward is being 'targeted' and that shootings and fires may be part of gang initiation and/or a result of fights between rival gangs!
The Thurston Zoo was contained for a period of time due to the efforts of the DA's office and local law enforcement. They were aggressive in breaking this gang up, prosecuting them to the full extent of the law, etc..... we need this type of effort again and we need it on an ongoing, sustained basis. We need our elected and public officials to acknowledge this serious problem, educate community members about it and employ whatever tactics are necessary to reduce violence in our community.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on December 16, 2009 at 12:10am

Margy, I agree and look forward to some response from the City. What actions will they take? I frankly do not see any possible ways for them to react to this, so would be amazed if anything happens. But optimistically, if they followed your last sentence, it would be a start. I don't know how you prevent people from setting vacant houses on fire.

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