BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. — Almost 100 people were arrested in a three-week operation by police and deputies targeting gang activity in Jackson and Butts counties.
Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said 35 people were arrested on felony charges and 45 on misdemeanor charges.
According to a Facebook post on the Butts County Sheriff's Office's page, 10 wanted people were found and 12 illegal guns were removed from the streets.
"As Sheriff, I WILL NOT sit back and let hoodlums riddle our Community with crime and violence," Long said in the Facebook post.
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Operation Disruption targeted areas “where we were experiencing increases in gang activity, predominantly gun violence, where several residences had been targeted in drive-by shootings,” Long said. "We're targeting number one gangs, their drugs fuel their enterprises, and their guns carry out their crimes."
According to Long, the leader of the gang has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that took place on Valley Road on July 19, along with several other individuals.
Long said it all began when he noticed several drive-by shootings in the area.
"We've had approximately 10 in the last three months where it's the innocent people are gonna be killed," said Scott Crumley with the Butts County Sheriff's Office.
One woman spoke to Channel 2's Tom Jones. She said someone shot up her home recently. Investigators said they arrested those responsible and also found illegal and stolen guns, some used by gangs.
"I think it's good. I think it's really good," she said.
Cash rewards are offered to anyone who provides information related to gangs and their members.
Cox Media Group
