INDIANAPOLIS — Several teenagers are behind bars following a series of raids in Indianapolis earlier this month. The arrests followed a lengthy investigation into a gang suspected of being responsible for numerous violent crimes.
Five people between the ages of 16 and 18 were arrested during the series of raids which took place on Thursday.
The suspects are members of the Taliban Choppa Gang. Police believe the name is in reference to two of their deceased friends, Justin Bautista (street name Taliban) and Mootha Say (street name Chop).
Police hope the case serves as a warning to other young people involved in criminal gang activity.
“When we remove them from our city, that’s what makes our city safer. This will allow people to sleep at night,” said IMPD officer Tommy Thompson.
A detailed 66-page affidavit provides a timeline of at least eight shooting incidents connected to the gang dating back to March when a juvenile was wounded in a targeted shooting on Macarthur Lane.
Pictures provided in the court documents claim members of the Taliban Choppa Gang liked to pose with firearms on social media and threaten their rivals.