15 Members of Philly’s Notorioius “TNT” Gang Busted
District Attorney Seth Williams | Photo by Matt Rourke/AP
A grand jury investigation has led to the arrests of 15 members of a notorious North Philadelphia gang on murder, conspiracy and assault charges, District Attorney Seth Williams announced today.
Between February and June of 2014, the “TNT” Gang — nicknamed for its location, at 10th and Thompson streets — waged a vicious war with members of a rival gang that led to nine shootings in the area, including a murder that unfolded outside of the Galaxy Bar, at Germantown and Rising Sun Avenues, on June 22, 2014.
The Gun Violence Task Force — a joint partnership between the D.A.’s Office and the state Attorney General’s Office — and members of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide, Criminal Intelligence and Firearms Identification units all worked to put the “TNT” crew behind bars, Williams said in a press release.
“Members of a group who identify themselves at ‘TNT’ have terrorized the citizens of North Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, literally having gun battles right outside their fronts doors, for months,” Williams said. “I am committed to protecting and saving lives, especially young black men, and the citizens of Philadelphia should not be afraid to let their children play outside because of gun violence.”
Criminal conspiracy charges were filed against nine members of the gang: Samir Akines, Amir Crippen, Kareem Grant, Rashad Hall, Vincent McClenney, Gregory Nash, Tyreese Scott, Ali Williams and Hamin Williams Sr.
Murder charges were filed against three men: Rashad Holcomb, Curshawn Banks and Everette Brooks. Attempted murder and aggravated assault charges were filed against another man, Maurice Muldrow. And two others, Christopher McClutcheon and Hamin Williams Jr., were charged with criminal conspiracy and firearms offenses.
Williams said the suspects, who identified themselves as members of the gang on social media, were linked to 13 crimes overall. Investigators seized 10 illegally owned firearms from the gang.
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