Gang Violence Continues in South Williamsburg

Hey South Williamsburg residents, a heads up courtesy of The NY Post today: the gangs are still around, even if you haven't spotted a machete lately. The paper reports that the neighborhood has got its own "offshoot of the notorious Bloods gang" and they're going up against the machete-wielding Trinitarios. The Pretty Boy Goonies (aka the PBGs) are about a dozen strong, and allegedly have a continuous turf war going on with the Trinitarios in Rodney Park. Councilwoman Diana Reyna says, "This is not fist-fighting we are talking about. They are using machetes to stab and slash, and screwdrivers. There are brawls in the streets, in broad daylight, stopping traffic." Police have upped their presence in the area, on the streets and on rooftops, and have also installed a Sky Watch at Marcy and South 5th Street.

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By Jen Carlson in News on October 14, 2008 9:45 AM

Comments [rss]

calcetines

Legalize drugs, prostitution...

...and there will be no more gangs.

bitternative

If they're going to insist on fighting in the streets in broad daylight, the least they could do is choreograph their moves into dance so that the general public can get something out of this whole turf war bullsh*t.

operation_cheese

The NYPD should have a zero tolerance policy vis-a-vis those "urban terrorists"

Those gangs are a serious liability for the community because of the followings:

1-They are interfering with the academic progress of other youngsters in school.

2-They are zombifying the community by sellings narcotics.

3-They are involving in other illegal activities.

4-They are killing each other and also innocent people.

What should be done:

A-NYPD should disseminate literate about gangs modus operandi in those affected areas.

B-NYPD should publish their hotline telephone numbers.

C-NYPD should have mobile camera in unmarked cars coupled with local undercovers that could respond to complaint of gang activities.

emef

I live on South 5th and Rodney because that's where I can afford to live and the situation really sucks. I've been out walking the dog and found myself standing in the middle of a group of teenage boys shooting at another group of teenage boys across the street. Another dog walking trip had me dodging probably the same boys as they ran past me with machetes in their hands to beat the living hell out of another kid. As I turned the corner a couple cars screeched up beside me and more boys came spilling out with guns in their hands. Both incidents happened between 7 and 8 o'clock at night when it was still light out. Really pleasant. The only good thing I can say about it is they always seem to be so focused on killing each other they never seem to notice me.

soopaman

I hope your puffy vest helps soften the blows #17....

whitecastlerock

@hslaton-live there for as long as you want to. let's hope these nasty people don't harm you

hslaton

I live right across from Rodney Park, and I saw the Sky Watch thing going up on Friday evening. Then, later, I went out of my house and saw a group of ruffians converging on the park to meet another group, and neither group looked pleased with the other. One member of the first group was hefting what I swear was the big leg of an ornate wooden bed frame, like what one of the participants in the news team melee from Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was carrying. It was like a caricature of a gang fight about to start.

Oh, and also, I'm a hipster, so I have no right to personal safety or happiness. Nor should I be allowed to live anywhere than the exact street on which I was born, because this isn't America and you're not allowed to live wherever the hell you want to live, same as anyone. I just want you all to understand that I understand the situation.

robingee

"Pretty Boy Goonies?"

Seriously?

soopaman

#13

you must live there and take offense that your shitty area is being called the name of a different shitty area. We are sorry.

whitecastlerock

South, North, West, East, who gives a shit? Nuke the whole fucking area...

brandonz

Dear Gothamist and NY Post.

This, again, is NOT "South Williamsburg" (thats where the Hasids are at south of Broadway).

Either say "South Side" or just plain "Williamsburg." Maybe you should call the Bedford-N. 7th area "North Side" again, while you are at it.

Felix Hoenikker

I don't think the Patriot Act applies unless there is oil under W'burg.

MrCow

how can you be a gang with the words "pretty boy" in your name?

Think2wice

"Operation: Impact" the damn place already.

Rob T Firefly

Goonies never say die.

soopaman

can we get then to take on the notorious and superfluous Hipster gang. Maybe something for pay per view to consider.

Polemicist

If only terrorism meant the actual infliction of terror.

Terrorism is simply the new euphemism for partisan warfare.

ur doing it rong

I told people moving to south williamsburg, bushwich, bed-stuy etc. It feels safe to live their now, but if you live near the projects, it's still the projects even if you have a cute organic coffee shop next door. Now the shit is hitting the fan. Buy a rap album from 1994, it's a good starting off point. Also I'd stop shopping at American Apparel, you don't wanna your colorful outfit giving anyone the wrong idea. I don't think $800 track bikes and sailor tattoos are gonna look tough anymore.