Eastern Sierra News
Written by Tom Woods Friday, 05 March 2010 16:49
Gang activity in Inyo County is far less than other parts of the state, but gangs are not unheard of here.
Inyo Sheriff Bill Lutze and his officers gave the Inyo Supervisors an update on Sheriff’s Department activities in the past year, which included a rundown on gang activity spotted in 2009.
Corporal Chris Connolly explained that officers had identified 59 individuals that had some sort of connection to gang activity in 2009. 37 of these people live in Inyo County. Over the course of the past year, Connolly reports that officers had contacted 4 people affiliated with the “Bloods,” two of whom lived in Inyo County, three “Crips,” none of whom lived in Inyo County. Two Inyo County residents were affiliated with the “Fresno Bulldogs,” two people identified with ties to the “Norteno” gang, and of the 27 people identified with the “Surenos,” 19 live in Inyo County.
Connolly also said that officers had identified 16 people affiliated with white power gangs, 10 of whom were Inyo County residents. There had been people tagging structures and signs near the Bishop Paiute Reservation with a Native American related logo, but Connolly explained that this group isn’t technically what could be defined as a “criminal street gang,” but more of a group based on shared identity. Officers contacted four individuals related to this group. Connolly reports that the group has been quiet since.
While some people with gang affiliations live in Inyo County, others are just passing through. Connolly explained that officers run into some of these travelling gang members who decide to take 395 rather than I-5. Others are referred to Inyo County through the Cal Fire Camp 26.
Supervisor Linda Arcularius asked Connolly how he knew these people had gang ties. It turns out it’s a straight forward proposition. Connolly explained that he asks people who dress the part if they have gang ties. He says that people he asks are usually, “quite proud,” to tell him that they are in gangs. He said many are more than willing to talk.
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Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by Rick O'Brien , March 06, 2010
written by Mentat , March 06, 2010
Which is a nice way of saying natives. OVP is definitely not a gang. At least the Corporal realizes this. Funny how someone would dare equivocate an Owens Valley Paiute to a "blood" or a "crip". It is understandable since some gangs have used tagging to mark their territories. But c'mon, After bringing up Bloods, Crips, Nortenos, Surenos, and White Supremacist groups... and then somehow connecting "gang activity" to some kids tagging is a bit irresponsible don't ya think? I mean, it is quite a stretch.
Author's Note-
The reason that the Paiute group is mentioned, (but not named) is to show that it is different from these other criminal enterprises.
The graffiti is seen by many in the Bishop Area. This is in the story to show that the Sheriff's Department does not view this local group the same as it views other gangs.
written by Scott , March 06, 2010
written by Inyo Native , March 06, 2010
written by Aza , March 10, 2010
written by Steve , March 10, 2010
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