Arrests in Kent shootout highlight gang problem

[Kennah]

http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-seattle/arrests-kent-shootout-highlight-gang-problem

Four men are now in jail and two more are being sought for their involvement in the July 23 shootout at a Kent low-rider car show; a blast-o-rama that left a dozen people injured and gun prohibitionists blaming gun owners and firearms rights for an incident that was totally gang-related.

This column discussed the case back in July, noting that this sort of thing doesn’t happen at gun shows.

A detailed narrative of the investigation is attached to court papers linked by the Seattle Times. It’s quite interesting reading. Done by a Kent police detective, the report reveals that rival members of three gangs were apparently involved: the Playboy Surenos (PBS), Varrios Locos (VL) and Little Valley Lokates (LVL). At some point, a member of a band playing at the event encouraged people in the crowd to “hold their flags in the air,” which the crowd apparently presumed to mean showing their gang signs. From there, things went downhill fast.

It is an unusual mix of suspects, considering that two of the men jailed have no criminal backgrounds, and two others – both brothers – weren’t even at the event, but they’re in trouble, anyway. Here’s a roundup, courtesy of reports in the Kent Reporter (linked by the on-line SeattleP-I.com) and Seattle Times:

[SteveM]

1. And one of da thugs wanted to negotiate the return of his guns...

makes you wonder what kind of law enforcement, judicial and political culture exists where thugs negotiate as if they are a rogue state, negotiating a military advantage or truce.

[gravity556]

2. Imagine that-gang banger acting in an uncivilized fashion.