Carmen Trutanich Seeks Injunction to Help Rid Echo Park of Gang Activity

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich today sought a gang injunction targeted at the alleged criminal activity of six rival gangs that operate near Echo Park.

In a petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Trutanich is asking a judge to establish a 3.8-square-mile safety zone enjoining members of the Big Top Locos, Crazys, Diamond Street Locos, Echo Park Locos, Frogtown and Head Hunters street gangs.

"Our residents have the right to enjoy all of our public areas, including Echo Park, free of gang crime and intimidation,'' Trutanich said. "This injunction will be an important tool in curbing the escalating criminal activity of these six rival gangs and bringing needed peace to our neighborhoods.''

The rival gangs named in the injunction have feuded for many years, resulting in extensive graffiti vandalism, aggravated assaults, shootings, and murders, according to the City Attorney's Office.

The injunction asks for standard gang injunction provisions, including prohibiting association with other gang members in public, intimidating or harassing members of the community, possessing firearms or narcotics or having alcohol in public.

If granted, the order would complement existing gang injunctions in areas near the proposed safety zone, according to the City Attorney's Office. A court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21.

- City News Service