DENVER -
Denver Police and the FBI say a series of arrests following a four-month investigation has uncovered a gang-related, bias-fueled campaign to attack white males on the 16th Street Mall and in the lower downtown Denver area.
"We have arrested 31 of 35 suspects on a wide range of charges," said Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman.
"These suspects say they are members of the Black Disciples and Rolling 60 Crips and they claim they have even formed a coalition to attack people, usually white men, who were alone in and around downtown. One suspect would hit the victim, trying to drop them to their knees, then the others would also join in, stealing money and other items."
Gang expert Rev. Leon Kelly says similar acts have been going on for more than a year in other parts of the country, and this summer the 'game' finally rolled into Denver.
"I am not a gloom and doom person, but when we see other gang members video taping these attacks in vacation areas like West Palm Beach to get money others will follow the lead," Rev. Kelley said.
"They would attack tourists who may have cash and might not report the crimes, then they would video tape the attacks and sell the videos to make even more money."
Police say there may be other victims who have not reported crimes. They ask that those people come forward to add their knowledge to the case. They also say they still need help finding a few additional suspects.
If you have information call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP.
"We have arrested 31 of 35 suspects on a wide range of charges," said Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman.
"These suspects say they are members of the Black Disciples and Rolling 60 Crips and they claim they have even formed a coalition to attack people, usually white men, who were alone in and around downtown. One suspect would hit the victim, trying to drop them to their knees, then the others would also join in, stealing money and other items."
Gang expert Rev. Leon Kelly says similar acts have been going on for more than a year in other parts of the country, and this summer the 'game' finally rolled into Denver.
"I am not a gloom and doom person, but when we see other gang members video taping these attacks in vacation areas like West Palm Beach to get money others will follow the lead," Rev. Kelley said.
"They would attack tourists who may have cash and might not report the crimes, then they would video tape the attacks and sell the videos to make even more money."
Police say there may be other victims who have not reported crimes. They ask that those people come forward to add their knowledge to the case. They also say they still need help finding a few additional suspects.
If you have information call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP.
