Community Discusses Measures to Restore and Maintain Neighborhood

Today, Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy announced the results of an ongoing narcotics investigation that effectively targeted and removed gang members from the streets and recovered an array of contraband, including drugs, a firearm, illicit cash and two stolen vehicles. Superintendent McCarthy was joined by community members, local officials, and clergy to discuss measures to restore and maintain the neighborhood.

The two-month Narcotics Division investigation was initiated in February with the assistance of Ogden (10th) District tactical officers following a homicide in the vicinity of 1900 S. Troy. Surveillance and intelligence-gathering confirmed that a drug market operated by New Breeds street gang members was attracting violence and criminal activity in the community.

Chicago Police identified 10 targets involved in narcotics sales and conducted covert buys of heroin and crack cocaine from the subjects. Additionally, officers obtained and executed five search warrants that revealed assorted contraband connected with the drug operation. On Thursday, the investigation culminated with the arrests of nine of the involved offenders and the seizure of heroin, crack cocaine, and cannabis. A semi-automatic pistol also was seized with illegal monies and two vehicles that previously were reported stolen.

“This investigation is part of our ongoing strategy to eliminate gang activity from our City streets,” said Superintendent McCarthy. “We expect the impact on the community to be immediate and positive, but we need to ensure these results last with the collective involvement of every concerned stakeholder,” he added.

Community members, local officials, and clergy gathered on the corner that was the focus of the investigation and discussed subsequent steps to enhance the neighborhood. Fliers announcing an upcoming community meeting with newly appointed Ogden (10th) District Commander Maria Pena were distributed and all were encouraged to attend.

Four residences were submitted to the Drug and Gang House Enforcement Section for further investigation as a result of the mission. Chicago Police continue to search for one outstanding target involved in the drug operation.

The following were arrested or are wanted on warrants in connection with this investigation:

Rodney Feagin, 25, In Custody, Delivery/ Possession of a Controlled Substance

Earl Hopson, 25, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Louis Poole, 17, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Lionel Caldwell, 54, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

William Robinson, 50, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Elijah Mims, 27, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Kelsey Garner, 24, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Jeffery Rice, 29, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Eugene McGee, 54, In Custody, Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Jarrett Watson, 26, Wanted, Delivery of a Controlled Substance