Seven Port Arthur gang members in custody after local 'crime spree'
22.05.12
Seven Port Arthur teens have been arrested in connection with a string of aggravated robberies in Port Arthur, Groves and Port Neches that began in April of 2011.
Mid-County and Port Arthur police departments worked together to arrest people who are believed to be members of Nortè 14, a Hispanic gang that has been gaining strength in the area in the last year.
Two juveniles are still on the run, said Port Arthur police officer Mike Hebert . All of the suspects in the cases had prior records of crimes ranging from fighting to drive-by shootings.
"We think they are responsible for seven robberies, six of which we have solved," Hebert said in a press conference Tuesday at the station. "One in Port Neches, three in Groves and the rest in Port Arthur."
Six of the them are in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility with bonds ranging from $15,000 to $1.7 million. One has bonded out already. Police said they would be checking their immigration status.
With the exception of an aggravated robbery last spring, the crimes have occurred in the last six weeks.
Source: Beaumont Enterprise