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Watch VideoPueblo law enforcement plans to crack down harder on gangs
Story By: David Ortiviz
Source: KOAA
From graffiti to shootings, gang activity remains a big concern in neighborhoods all across Pueblo. So in June law enforcement plans to turn up the heat even more on gang members.
"We've got generations of gangs in Pueblo. It's not a secret," said Irene Basta, with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.
Gang members are known for marking they're territories with graffiti, but sometimes they commit much more serious crimes.
On May 10, police say Carl Eugene Quintana, 28, was shot and killed outside his home on E. Northern Ave., after arguing with a rival gang member. The alleged shooter, a 17 year old, was arrested for first degree murder. Police are still searching for the murder weapon. "The gun is out there," said Det. Mark Bravo with the Pueblo Police Department. "The incident started as an argument over loyalty to certain gang affiliations," he added.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office wants the public to take notice of the on-going gang problems in Pueblo. "I say that it is your concern, because it is your community," said Basta. Along with Pueblo Police, the Pueblo District Attorney's office, and the Human Relations Commission, they've held two community meetings in the past four months to talk to citizens about gang activity and listen to their concerns.
"They don't like the graffiti. They don't like the vandalism. Some of the elderly were afraid of being out at night," said Basta. At the meetings they also tell parents signs to look for in the children. "We ask them to look for colors. How are children are wanting to dress. How they're starting to hang around with other people," said Basta.
Organizers are planning a third meeting sometime in June. Also that month the Pueblo Police Department and Pueblo County Sheriff's Office will get $35,000 each in grants, to help take gangs and illegal guns off Pueblo's streets. But it's a task they say they can't do alone. "If you're seeing something or hearing something, pick up your phone and call us. We're here for you, and we can't serve you if we don't know what your problems are," said Basta.
