Two adult and 11 teenage members of a notorious Philadelphia street gang were arrested after stealing nearly 100 firearms from gun stores in Pennsylvania last year, authorities said Wednesday.
The so-called “54th Street” gang committed three robberies and one attempted robbery in Montgomery and Bucks counties in September and November, stealing a total of 93 firearms, the Montgomery County district attorney’s office said in a Press release.
Of the 93 stolen weapons, the police have recovered only 33, leaving 60 on the streets.
“With 60 firearms missing, we still don’t know the extent of the damage caused by the criminal activities of this corrupt organization, including shootings and murders,” said District Attorney Kevin Steele.
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Angel Mason, 40, was released after posting 10% of $5,000 bail.
(Montgomery County District Attorney)
Authorities identified the two adults as Angel Mason, 40, and Donte Purnell, 22. Both Mason and Purnell were released on bail.
Authorities said 18-year-old Liv Hall and a 16-year-old were charged in adult court, while the other nine West Philadelphia teens, ages 14 to 17, were charged. in a juvenile court.
Donte Purnell, 22, was released after a judge set unsecured bond at $150,000.
(Montgomery County District Attorney)
Authorities alleged that the street gang, whose other criminal activities include car thefts, robberies, robberies and gun violence, would attack gun stores between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. and smash display cases before seizing numerous firearms and flee.
Liv Hall, 18, is awaiting arraignment and is currently incarcerated in Philadelphia on unrelated charges.
(Montgomery County District Attorney)
The street gang carried out the first robbery at Founding Fathers Outfitters on September 24 in the Lafayette Hill section of Springfield Township, stealing 26 firearms, the district attorney’s office said. Authorities have recovered just six weapons, including one used in a shooting and another linked to a homicide.
The second store attacked was the Target Word Gun Shop in Chalfont, New Britain Township, on November 20. The gang allegedly stole 32 pistols, 8 rifles, and a silencer. To date, authorities have recovered 10 firearms through search warrants.
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The third robbery occurred on November 20 at the Tanners Sports Center in Warwick Township, where 27 firearms were stolen. Authorities recovered 16 weapons, including one used during a robbery in New Jersey.
Philadelphia’s “54th Street” youth gang is linked to other criminal activity, including car thefts, robberies, robberies and gun violence, often targeting rival groups, authorities said.
(FoxNews)
About 30 minutes before the third robbery, the gang attempted to rob the Continental Armory in Hatboro, but failed when someone heard glass breaking and called 911, authorities said.
Investigators believe the evidence found indicates the group planned two additional gun store robberies.
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The suspects face a series of charges, including firearms trafficking, robbery, aggravated assault and operating a corrupt organization.
