In the 1980s, the surge of illegal drugs in U.S. cities caused a sharp rise in gang violence. While drug issues still continue today— especially with the opioid crisis —the drug epidemic of the epidemic of the 1980s and ’90s brought its own set of challenges. A serious example of that era’s violence happened in Tacoma, Washington, where U.S. Army Rangers ended up in a tense standoff with local gang members.
Staff Sgt. William Foulk bought a house in a rough neighborhood
Army Ranger Staff Sgt. William “Bill” Foulk, part of the 2nd Ranger Battalion stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, bought a house in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood. The area was known for its high levels of gang violence and had a tough reputation. Foulk bought the property for just $10,000, thinking it was a smart investment and that the value would rise over time.
He may have believed the neighborhood was getting better, but he probably didn’t realize just how dangerous it really was. Crime was out of control—drug deals happened openly, and gang members carried automatic weapons without fear. Because of this, Hilltop was often compared to the “Wild West” when it came to gang violence.
At the time, Tacoma’s police force was spread thin and struggled to match the gangs’ firepower, making it hard to keep the area under control.
Houses along the block saw serious gang activity
Staff Sgt. Foulk began to suspect that people living in a nearby house on Ash Street, where he also lived, were involved in drug dealing…