Sparks Police say they found a 15-year-old boy dead and several shell casings near the Sierra Meadows Apartments in Sparks on Monday night. The victim's name has not been released and while officers haven't given a motive, they are saying this may have been gang related.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam tells us that gang activity in the area has been steadily increasing over the past few years. "Assault with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon, we are seeing a lot of that even some of the property and drug crimes. The gangs are proliferating throughout our community."
We have yet to confirm exactly what gang may be responsible for the death Monday night, but Balaam says that two major gangs from California have been flooding the area. He mentions the “Nortenos” and “Surenos,” who often tag their territory by spray-painting “Sur 13” or “Norte 14.”
"When you start seeing those where they are claiming their territory and usually putting their gang, when you see that crossed out that means somebody else has moved in and now and saying we are coming into your area,” said Balaam.
The Regional Gang Unit is also dealing with smaller or off-shoot gangs springing up in smaller communities. Law enforcement says community help in combating gang violence is pivotal, especially when it comes to curbing the tide of youth recruitment.
"There is recruiting that occurs, it occurs in the street, the neighborhoods and in the schools," said Lt. Scott Dugan with the Regional Gang Unit.
There are signs to watch out for, including wearing predominately red or blue or designs or pictures depicting “Sur” or “Norte” and Balaam says you always have the option to reach out to law enforcement for advice, as it's easier to pull youth out of a gang early.
"I always encourage our neighborhoods, if you feel like your neighborhood is being overrun and intimidated by gangs, please let us know. We will do everything we can and we'll bring in the community as a whole to help."
Secret Witness is now offering at $2,500 reward for any information leading to an arrest and prosecution of those involved in the shooting of the 15-year-old. That number is (775) 322-4900 and you will remain anonymous.
