Minneapolis gang crackdown: Feds charge 11 more Lows members
Minneapolis gang crackdown: 11 members charged
Eleven members of Minneapolis' Lows gang are now charged with racketeering as authorities say the gang members are involved in crimes including murder and drug trafficking in Minneapolis. The arrests are the latest in the ongoing crackdown on gangs in the Twin Cities by federal authorities.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Eleven members of Minneapolis' Lows gang are now charged with racketeering as authorities say the gang members are involved in crimes including murder and drug trafficking in Minneapolis.
The arrests are the latest in the ongoing crackdown on gangs in the Twin Cities by federal authorities.
What we know
Prosecutors said Wednesday the arrests are another blow to one of the city's most violent gangs. The alleged crimes span from 2021 to earlier this year and include the killing of rival gang members.
Investigators also say they played a role in bringing fentanyl into the city.
"For years, the Lows have been a threat to the safety of Minneapolis residents, a threat that will be lessened with today's charges," said U.S. Attorney Andy Luger. "The murders and shootings alleged in this indictment should shock the conscience of every law abiding citizen in the city."
"To put it simply, the existence of a Lows gang constitutes a threat to the sanctity of human life," Luger added, "and we will continue to take all appropriate steps under the law to remove this threat."
Timeline of crimes
Charges have been filed against Ashimiyu Alowonle, Timothy Callender, Glenn Carter, III, Victor Collins, Damari Douglas, Deontae Jackson, Shannon Jackson, Robert Knights, Jr., Albert Lucas, Kaprice Richards, and Cartrelle Smith.
In his news conference, Luger detailed the "pattern of unthinkable and reprehensible violence" the Lows are accused of, including:
- May 6, 2021: Lucas is accused in the deadly shooting of a rival gang member at a gas station.
- May 14, 2022: Carter Lisa accused of shooting and killing a rival gang member near a food truck on West Broadway Avenue near Bryant Ave.
- May 29, 2022: Richards is accused of shooting at a rival gang member at a gas station on West Broadway Ave. A bystander instead was hit and injured.
- April 27, 2023: Shannon Jackson and Richards are accused of opening fire on rival gang members, killing on Broadway Ave.
- April/May 2023: Lucas is accused of opening fire on rival gang members at 34th and Morgan avenues.
- Dec. 3, 2023: Douglas is accused of firing shots at a vehicle in the area of Lake Street and Grand Avenue, killing one person.
- Feb. 27, 2024: Lucas and Collins are accused of opening fire on a rival gang, killing one person and injuring three others near the Minneapolis Market on East Franklin.
Crime crackdown
In May 2023, authorities brought charges against 45 members of the Highs and Blood gangs. More charges followed in August, when 14 more gang members faced charges.
The charges marked a significant new strategy for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota. In the past, the attorney's office would tackle gang members one by one. Now, Luger says federal authorities are taking gangs on as a whole.
Earlier this month, three members of Minneapolis' Bloods gang were convicted of racketeering and firearm charges following a trial in federal court in St. Paul, marking the convictions in a broader federal crackdown on gangs in the city, targeting the Highs, Lows, and Bloods.
The Highs and Lows typically operate on Minneapolis' northside. The Bloods, on the other hand, work on the south side of the city, primarily near 38th and Chicago.
Forty-one gang members have been convicted since the crackdown and many more are facing charges, Luger said. About 93 have faced charges since the crackdowns started last year.