Fairbanksans caught in crossfire as feuding gang members take aim at each other
Originally published Friday, August 15, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.
Updated Friday, August 15, 2008 at 6:58 p.m.
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FAIRBANKS -- Feuding gang members in at least three vehicles shot at each other shortly before 4 p.m. Friday on College Road, hitting two bystanders’ vehicles and causing a bicyclist to dive for cover, a Fairbanks police sergeant said.
No one was hurt, Sgt. Eric Jewkes said.
One of the vehicles caught in the crossfire had a 2-month-old baby in the back seat, Lt. Dan Welborn said. Molding on a rear passenger window of the vehicle was struck.
Seven people were taken to the police department for questioning. Authorities are still looking for a silver Isuzu Trooper and its occupants.
“We know who they are,” Welborn said, although he declined to immediately identify the suspects.
Police have been called to multiple gunfights in recent weeks, possibly involving the same suspects, Jewkes and Welborn said.
“It’s a turf war,” Welborn said.
The conflict is reportedly between members of the the Crips and the Bloods, urban street gangs with a long history of rivalry.
One recent gunfight was on Danby Road and another was at the Fort Wainwright main gate. Welborn said some of the suspected gang members are in the military.
The latest gunfight, in which 10 to 15 shots were fired, spanned about a mile on College Road from Aurora Drive to Illinois Street.
“It was kind of this rolling gun battle,” Jewkes said.
Dave Throop was headed west on College Road after finishing his job as a helicopter mechanic on Fort Wainwright.
Near the fairgrounds, he heard a popping sound.
“It sounded like firecrackers,” he said.
Then Throop heard a bang and glass sprayed him. He pulled into the parking lot at the fairgrounds.
“This all happened in an instant. I’m trying to take it all in,” he said.
A hole the size of a nickel was punched through his windshield about six inches below the rear view mirror. Throop's hand was cut from broken glass.
Throop got out of his older-model Mazda 323 and saw that a bullet had penetrated the windshield and the back seat, stopping in the trunk.
“I’m glad to be alive,” he said.
Down College Road at the Illinois Street Tesoro station, witnesses reported seeing a dark green Buick pull into the parking lot just as the rubber on the front passenger-side tire fell off.
Two bullet holes were visible on the rear of the car and the back window appeared to have been shot out.
The Buick was quickly followed by a green GMC.
At least six men jumped out of the two vehicles and began to argue loudly before police pulled up, witnesses said.
Officers spent more than 30 minutes interviewing people and searching the woods behind the gas station where witnesses also said they saw some of the men run.
Police also searched a silver Toyota 4Runner at the scene, but released the SUV and driver afterward.
The other two vehicles were towed from the scene.
David Ryberg is the head mechanic at the Alaska Fun Center, where multiple employees heard the gunfight.
“I was working,” Ryberg said. “All I heard was pop, pop, pop, pop. I heard probably five or six. I thought maybe it was a car backfiring, but it was just too many.”
A few minutes later, Ryberg went outside and saw ambulances.
No one was taken to the hospital, authorities said.
Jewkes said it’s still unclear how many firearms were involved in the gunfight.
Staff writer Amanda Bohman contributed to this report.
Community Discussion
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Welcome to Detroit-banks. Be sure to pick up your Kevlar parka at the city limits.
Scary. I wish that if people insisted on having gunfights they would at least take it out of town where they aren't risking the lives of everyone on the road. Bring back the old duels of the west. (Kidding!)
Another good reason for all of us to carry.
I saw the cops there. There were 10 cop cars. It was amazing to see this in Fairbanks.
I guess some folks have their heads in the sand around here.
Got the nerve to make light of this situation.
That's okay, I guess.
I just hope IF a bunch of "real winners" (gang members I've been told) decide to carry on a gun battle, supposedly over "turf," in broad daylight, while speeding along the STREETS of Fairbanks, and in YOUR immediate vicinity.....well lets just hope the bullets aren't bouncing around you and yours.
The attitude will definitely go from "kidding," to
"IN-@#$-CREDIBLE."
I agree with Preston.
Anyone that thinks this is still the Fairbanks of old, and things like this 'just don't happen here," needs to get a clue.
The age old "rap" adage STOP THE VIOLENCE?
Yeah, it applies here in the Golden Heart City too!
Folks here need to deal with that up close and personal...reality.
to bad they left the green suv go.
the main shooter involved in all these shootings goin on,
this is only one of the eight shootings that happend this week,
and no ones getting arrestesd.
haha'
its good to know this is the worlds dumbest criminals.
hmmm.....
I'm gonna have to start carrying a larger caliber firearm with more capacity I see....and maybe a couple extra magazines...
I think the silver suv got let loose.
I'm with Marie on this,let the little wannabe gangs go out to a secluded area and shoot it out,at some point some innocent bystander is going to get hurt.Most people in Alaska are usally armed and will get tired of these idiots and take care of it them selves,turf war what a joke,fighting over something they don't even own.
Lock these little punks up and throw away the key! And not in Club Fed, either - send 'em to Sheriff Joe in Arizona.
We need to stop making excuses for this type of behavior and start PUNISHING the culprits.
Oldsskool---
Which post do you think is kidding, or has their head up their ass?
All of these posters aren't kidding around. People will be armed to the teeth to protect their families.
Have you a different solution? Or do you just like to call people names, and act superior?
How come no one seems to care that this is an issue, at least in part, about Bloods and Crips who are in fact members of our US military? The recruiters are so desperate to get warm bodies to ship out to Iraq that they will take people with criminal records as long as my arm. We never had those guys in Fairbanks before! Just one more thing to lay at the feet of the Chimpanzee in Chief.
I missed this by minutes, I left earlier than normal to complete an errand... REALLY glad I did.
I agree Marie, these jerks want to be stupid? Let them go take their idiocy to the middle of nowhere where it affects only them. Some of these guys are in the military? Good! Maybe they will get put in a REAL jail!
Actually, Slider, that's not true - about 20 yrs ago, there was an article in the FDNM about how the Bloods and Crips were here, setting up shop. So - unless Bush had a hell of a lot of power 20 years ago, you can't blame this on him.
Ten to fifteen shots and not one shot hit the intended target???? Some are military???
No wonder progress has been slow in Iraq!!
Slinder hate to tell you but there's been little gangs around for quit awhile,they just haven't drawn as much attention as these idiots.As far as the military taking in people with criminal records,thats been going on way before Bush was in office.Of course with the statement of them being in the military thats going to put a bad rep towards the military when it's just a few idiots thinking there badasses from a rap video.
OH MY GOODNESS! This is the scariest thing I have heard happening in Fairbanks in a long time. You usually think of those things happening in the "bad" part of a town, but there isnt really a "bad" part of Fairbanks (like in big cities - usually the downtown)that you can just avoid to stay out of this kind of thing. Spraying bullets down College Road? I guess it goes to show that it really could happen anywhere.
Crips & BLOODS, careful with this reporting, some poor minority, may take offense!!
Guess the pistol under the seat of my truck is a "Good Thing" as Martha Stewart says!
I bet Dave Throop's still pumping adrenalin...Whoa!
You would think that the military would be able to control their behavior more. Gang ties when yous sign up? Restriction to base for the first 6 months, and not able to own a personal fire arm for a year. That gives everyone time to cool it off an get over their made up turf wars and "disses".
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Yup more clips for the .45. And I do in part blame the military. Most of these rapper pukes sport out of state plates.
Pat
Crips and Bloods huh! I don't think these punks realize where they are at. There a lot of Alaskans who have firearms on their person everday; even little old ladies who have lived here forever. Do they really think that we, the public, are going to cower down in fear ever time decide to shoot it out! I DON'T THINK SO!!! In my book two wrongs don't make a right. But these "gang bangers" have a long history violence in the lower 48; and will continue with their senseless violence here if they are not given a reason to stop or leave. The police and state troopers are doing the best they can, and I applaud them. They can't be everywhere though. We all have the right to bear arms; and to defend our selves if we feel justifiably threatened. I'm not saying we need to go out, find these punks, and have a shoot out with them. I am saying that there is nothing wrong with keeping a fire arm on your person. If these gangbangers start seeing more people who are able defend themselves, anytime they decide to shoot it out someplace, it might give them a reason to think it about twice.
There's a reason they don't shoot it out in front of the police staion, because the cops are armed and will shoot them if they try to shoot each other. In my opinion it comes down to tolerance. If we, the citizens, tolerate this violence in our town and by our homes it will become a what we would eventually call "normal". We would, in effect, be allowing them to be violent in our town and by our homes. I don't believe any one of us wants to tolerate any more violence than we already do. It needs to stop and can be stopped by all of us standing up to this violence together.
Gang bangers beware, Alaskans are armed and most of know how to shoot a gun fairly accurately. We live here knowing we might have to stare down a bear one day. Do you really want to try and stare down someone who has already made that choice? It's your decision, and your health. That's my two cents worth.
Turf war huh? Maybe that's why law enforcement has been so reluctant to deal with drug houses the past several years. I seem to remember this past winter, one unfortunate guy ended up having to bolt a 4 x 8 sheet piece of plywood to a telephone pole pleading for the DEA, FPD, or the Troopers to do something about the bad drug house next to him. Only to be told by the police he had to remove the sign. Stories have abounded like this in Fairbanks. Neighbors calling police about a drug house only to be told by the law to write down license plate numbers and it goes no further. Agressive enforcement is needed to stop illegal activities at the start. As far as I am concerned, if we do not get behind our State Troopers and local Police and demand agressive enforcement on drug trafficing and its associated activities and support increased funding, this is going to get alot worse.
And what sickens me even more, is this all took place in a part of town where I ran as a kid along time ago. And, where we also were shopping for school cloths today at about the same time. How many of us out there have children that ride bikes to school? Or are out and about during the summer? Or mom or grandma is making a run to the store? The concealed carry law of The State of Alaska has little meaning in a situation like that. Does it?
Okay, two things came to mind when I read this article, first %%&^$( I moved up here from SO. CAL. to get away from all of this. And then, military? Simple solution: catch them, identify them, ship them out. The ones in the military, same thing only ship them out to wherever, if they want to shoot people let them go shoot the bad guys.
In calf. when the gangs were getting way out of control that's exactly what LA did, they shipped them to another state. How about if we shipped them to any war torn area. I'll bet they don't keep that cocky attitude very long after that.
One last thought, jail does absolutely no good they just form up into gangs while in jail, once in a gang you can pretty much bet they will be in one for life.
never could understand gangs, all seemed rather immature to me. little kids fighting with big boys toys....over what? nothing important....out here in the interior we used our guns for shooting food to provide meat for our families not each other....wish we knew who all the dumbasses were so we could ship thier asses somewhere else.
I reiterate what I said previously on 8/8/08. Looks like the truth or some of it comes out at last from our authorities. Why if we know who these people are, have they been left on the streets or free on the military bases?? Legal system is failing us here, who are the lawyers, judges that are failing us. Would hope that any politician running for office this year with a legal degree fails to get elected. Caution to those who would like to defend themselves against this rabbel of thugs, our great legal system will put you away if you should happen to enflict harm to the lawless. (beware)
Ladies & Gentlemen
How far from the truth of the matter do you want to go?
Looking at the comments so far everyone pointing finger at this or that. Oh! Poor misguided youth (Dr. Spook, Dr Phil, Dr whoever) will come up with miracle cure for this. Right
Issue: Gangs in Fairbanks yes or no and why
Yes,
Why: Outsiders from Fairbanks, lucrative market for drugs, large military bases (gang influence). Gangster is role model figure.
Issue: Four Day Delay in Public Release Planned, yes or no and why
Yes,
Why: Public impact on fair attendance, Needed contact with Anchorage Gang task force in how to handle situation.
Issue: Age of individuals involved, under 18? Number of participants
No, many were over 18 including military individuals.
Participants were more like 40 to 50, may have been only 20 ring leaders.
Issue: Who responded and why
Fair Security; Called in backup did there job.
Local FPD; was on site at fairgrounds, Called in backup not trained to handle large confrontations (gangs) did there job.
State Police; Responded to call for backup did there job.
Military Police; Responded to call to deal with military members involved in incident.
Having recently lived in Anchorage I have seen first hand that no matter what the citizen or law enforcement officer attempts to do to curtail the gang problem it will fail. Why?
It is really simple, unless the judicial system of our country is changed to stop the revolving door policy regarding gang members it will not stop. So fix the judicial system and you will fix the gang problem along with making individuals responsible for there own actions. Any one want a million dollars for spilling a cup of hot coffee in their own lap?
This isn't the first incident as someone else has already stated. Another shoot out happened this past saturday at the Eagles hall, leaving a bullet holes in one of the Tanana Chiefs Conference buildings. WHAT I WILL NEVER understand is, WHY can't these "gangbanges" ever hit their intended target??? It would make this world a better place....................
This is Alaska, not California. Back in the early 80's, these *&%^heads would have had more return fire than just between them. It IS the "Last Frontier", both in reality and in spirit. Alaskans have a different sense of justice than most because life is a little more precious in Alaska. If this continues, I have a feeling the next time a "running gunbattle" takes place, all the cops will find are two burned out vehicles with the bodies having quite a selection of calibers of bullets within. And no one will see a thing. So much for "gangs" in Alaska. When Alaskan spirit takes over, these punks had better move on or push up daisies. It might be "against the law" to take it in hand, but when these punks obviously don't care about others lives, why should we care about theirs? I agree, it's a reality check, a wake up call but it might not be just for the normal citizen, catch my drift?
This is not California. I know more people who have a gun under the front seat than who don't, especially after this.
Yes, I'll be sure to keep it under my seat. If some punk starts shooting near my family I will do my best to put them down.
Mayor Strle-maybe the chronic inebriate problem downtown is not the only thing that needs addressing.
How are you going to handle this one? Restrict the sales of cheap bullets in areas that have frequent shoot-outs.
I read a newspaper article from another state a week or so ago that talked about the increase in fatal gang shootings in that state. They attributed it to the fact that gang bangers had finally figured out that if you hold the gun up right instead of sideways it's easier to hit their target.
crips and bloods, that stuff is a joke in fairbanks. it won't live long. people will get fed up.
Also, it must be a Military thing. Most people in Fairbanks can't stand the way Military people act. YES they are defending out country but they are also bringing stupidity and being immature. This is not Compton or Detroit. This is FAIRBANKS ALASKA. PLEASE DO NOT RUIN IT FOR LONG TIME RESIDENTS!
Marie, I laughed so hard I snorted! Excellent observation. =]
I wish half of you knew what you were talking about. The article said there was military involved not that it was just military. I know for a fact there only two soldiers involed. U guys can't blame it on military members. I dont think thats it's right for everyone to down grade the military for two idiots. I do agree with those of you that think this gang stuff is rediculas. Because if they were in LA or ATL i'm sure they've been done. I just wish that you guys would think what your sayng before you right it... the same military you're talking about is the same military you'll be praising when the war is over. Half these people involved are teenagers of fairbanks residents.. maybe people should be asking where they're parents are.
I read a newspaper article from another state a week or so ago that talked about the increase in fatal gang shootings in that state. They attributed it to the fact that gang bangers had finally figured out that if you hold the gun up right instead of sideways it's easier to hit their target.
Now thats funny.
Marie-I think you're on to something. We're addressing this thing all wrong. We need to invite these gangbangers to the shooting range and teach them how to hit what they are shooting at. Problem will take care of itself and the rest of us won't have to dodge stray bullets.
Cops are afraid of people with guns.
Here's the thing - this turf is our turf and not these little creeps! Catch them and hang them out to dry to do hard time in the Arizona desert, whether they are military or not. Chimpanzee Bush has gotten our military into the position of being forced to allow low-lives into the military to go fight his war to enrich his buddies but its up to us to mandate a no-tolerance position for this bullcrap here in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a great place to raise kids and we have to protect it and our kids.
Realest,
I agree with you! I know of several awesome, upstanding military families and young people in our community. Please don't lump them altogether.
I have lived in town for more than 20 years and the Bloods & Cripps have been around since then...and probably before. Don't be too quick to blame the military...my strong suspicion is they aren't a part of this. It's just good old Fairbanks, circa 2008. I feel sorry for these kids...they have no idea what they are starting here. Shoot first and ask questions later will become an unfortunate reality.
Distant Thunder - you are out of your mind! The Post Commander nor the leadership can know what every soldier does 24 hours a day. If the soldiers aren't in the field a bunch go home (off post) at night. Do you have some way to track people you work with 24/7? "These guys have way too much time on their hands" - how in the world do you know? Are you in any of those units? Do you work with them? Get off your high horse! Nobody likes the things that happened.
There are punks and rotten people everywhere. I'm sorry to see that it come to Fairbanks. Maybe I have been blind, but I just didn't see it this bad 13 years ago and was the reason we decided to raise our kids here. I've heard there have been problems down on South Cushman but it has all been second hand. With all the articles I've seen about that street, I ensure I and my family stay clear unless we really have to. I'm sure that if it is soldiers on Ft. Wainwright, the leadership is looking, and looking hard. I'm also relatively certain that the city officials as well as law enforcement are working with the leadership on the post if they believe some of those jerks are there. The one thing I do believe is that Fairbanks will work hard to get control of it. Too many good people in this great city to let this continue.
flash - rumble - whatever it is you say.
I agree it was more than likely military punks. Yes the military is taking in trash. Want to solve the problem? Want to teach ole GW a lesson? Man up and join the fight. Rather than solving the World's problems from your keyboard, go see the recruiter. If you sign up we won't have to take in this garbage.
akracefan- i hope ur right about fairbanks officials doing what they can... because from my experience they dont. They were giving names on who people thought were involved and didn't do anything. I myself was jumped a couple years ago, gave them the peoples address and names and nothing was done. I agree with the person that says cops are affraid of people with guns. They're so set on getting the main person and not the little people doing his work. I say lock them all up. But that's my opinion. The sad thing is these guys will probably be let out on bail on monday and another incident will accure. I personally never thought id see the day here in fairbanks when i have to worry about going out to get gas and have the possibility of being shot at. This town is small and everyone knows everyone. Business and all... i think that if the detectives really wanted to they could catch all these wanna bes.
AKLOWN - I did over 23 years active duty and still working with the military after I retired. I'm assuming from your post that you have Manned Up? A great majority of the people here in Fairbanks are active or retired military.
Forgot to add that while I did my time in the service, once we came here in '92, we knew this was the place for us. I love this city and the people in it. Way worse places to live, that is for sure but I truly do hope that this is solved or at least the creeps that did this are caught quickly.
Unacceptable. I was raised here, as was my Mom. I stay here, in Fairbanks, AK to avoid this kind of BS. I think it's time that we, as a community, stand up and say ENOUGH! It is unacceptable and won't be tolerated. If anything were to happen to my child, or my loved-ones because of this idiotic behaviour, the "gang member(s)" better hide....
I'd suggest everyone of legal age get themselves a gun - you know darn well the criminals are carrying and will always carry. Let's make an even playing field. I know that I'll continue to carry.
I think its pretty odd that people are so sick of the violence and their solution is to have everyone have a gun and shoot back... thats sounds like a great plan. (sarcasim) Two wrongs dont make it right. I could only imagine what the streets would be like if people took things into their own hands. how about we do something about these so called troopers... who say in the article that they know who these people are... and yet nothing is done.
Those people who think we just have gang "wannabe's" are sadly mistaken. Gang activity is continuing to grow in Fairbanks and it's obviously getting bad.
wow! that is something i thought i didn't have to worry about when driving to work... a rolling gun battle between two gangs fighting over territory in which to sell their drugs. i knew i had to worry about moose on the highway or ice or just bad drivers, but this? no way!? think again, eh?
the problem with the armed alaskans is that alaskans tend to be trained in target shooting or hunting wildlife. many don't have any experience using the weapon when the target is shooting back at you. i really don't think armed alaskans getting involved is a good idea unless you are just defending yourself and there is no other alternative. usually these guys are just interested in shooting at each other.
if this keeps up there are going to many innocents deaths. we need to stop this now. if the police can't stop them then maybe we need to stop paying for their sorry butts and bring in some who can. if the police won't shut down the drug houses maybe we need to. and most of all, we need not to forget about this incident and really insist the people who are paid to do something about this does it. i fear mr. gdogg may be right. the police are just afraid of these people. we may need a tougher breed of cop.
Why waste all of our jail space on a bunch of losers? I certainly don't want my tax dollars going to pay for three meals a day, a hot shower, and recreational time. If these gang members are all so tought and "bad", send them out to a remote spot in our Last Frontier and let them kill each other off over the "turf" out there. Its time these thugs are erradicated from our society.
akchick... you're obviously from here if you think these people are hard. LOL. Yeah its getting worse... doesnt mean that they aren't wannabes.. it means that people like you fill their head up to make them think they're really about something. Half these dudes switch between gangs.. i know plenty of them so i know. I'm also from Georgia and KNOW if these gangs were about something someone would have definally been shot already. Switching gangs is cause for death down in the lower 48... here in fairbanks... u just get shot at. They're little boys that are obviously bored with life. Turf??? haha.. it takes 10 minutes to get from one end of fairbanks to the next... this is stupid
Ha, ha GDogg...thanks for the laugh. Who wouldn't be afraid of people with guns? Especially with the morons we have running around these days. Only difference is, that while tough people like yourself is running in the other direction when the action really starts, the officers are the ones running in the direction of the danger to protect people they don't even know. I have a lot of respect for the men and women in law enforcement...they deal with more tough and scary situations each day then you will probably ever do in your life.
I have worked with young people from various local schools as well as young people from both Wainwright and Eielson. It saddens me, but in too many cases we as a country have raised a number of pathetic losers who think wearing their pants around their knees and clutching a gun in their hands is all it takes to be a man or a woman.
Sadly, I don't believe this is simply a military problem. I've met far too many little idiots who grew up locally. We need more police, more troopers, and most of all, more parents who get involved with their little boys and little girls (no way will I call them Men or Women). But when the parents endorse this sort of lifestyle their little cretins are doomed.
Listen to the music your kid listens to. Look at the way your kid dresses when he leaves the house. There's an old saying: Show me who you run with and I'll show you who you are. PARENTS, WAKE UP!
I have to agree with realist. Responding to violence with violence is not the answer.
And as a mother of children, the last place I want to have a gun is in my car, where it is not secure. Kids play in cars, kids leave stuff in cars and run back out to get it. And if I'm driving with kids in my car, I don't need to be worrying about shooting someone.
So all of you who advocate carrying in your car, and presumably using that gun, do you also approve of driving while talking on a cell phone? Because I can't imagine it would be any safer to drive while shooting at any target, moving or not.
Joe - Well spoken! I believe you hit the nail on the head.
I guess I've gotten a little lazy about packing my gun with me. I see now its time to make sure I have it with me. This just reinforces the reason that we no longer need our concealed carry permits. Sooner or later these idiots will take action in the wrong place and we won't have to worry about them anymore...
"Gun control is putting two bullets thru the same hole".
Ted Nugent
Oh yeah, don't forget your back up clips.
The army has changed over the past several years. It is a shame that they are taking anything that can walk and talk.
I owned a business (Restaurant/bar) and watched the difference in the individuals who were in my business two years ago, as opposed to those of the past 8 months.
Two years ago most of them would chastise anyone who cussed in my presence. (my virgin ears of course) I hugged each one of those folks goodbye when they left for Iraq. And believe me they were and are good people, as are 90% of the military family. It is a shame all get black eyes because of the minority who are bad. And yes Folks let's place the blame where it belongs. George W. Bush and company.
I will never forget the young man who sat speaking to a young lady next to him telling her of his brother who was in a Ca. Jail for murder. Stupid me, I often question the justice in our court system. I asked "was he guilty", expecting of course to have him deny and say his brother was a great guy who would not hurt anyone and of course was railroaded, (as I said stupid me) He replied "I don't know. He was dumb to get caught". He then commenced to tell us all about how he went around beating people up, robbing, burglary. The young lady next to him said "uh, well I gotta get back to work". She had just left work.
And, all these young ladies rushing off to marry these young men who are marching off to war, with little or no knowledge of backgrounds. One such young lady (who is very close to me did just that), she was more black and blue at the end of 60 days then she had been in her entire life. This wonderful fighter for our country squeezed her pet hamster until poop came out it's behind. He told her after marriage he had once blacked out, and beat a woman almost to death. She also learned of two kids her forgot to mention back home. It goes on and on. When she called the cops during a physical altercation guess who went to jail. you got it, she did. His buddy was a witness.
Yes and I am an old lady with a gun. But I tell you what, shooting starts and this old lady is going to run as fast as these little old legs will carry me, and hope one of you guys (nice ones) will have your guns and keep them occupied til my little old legs get me GONE
I remember growing up as a teen 30+ years ago in small town america where the kids that got in trouble with the law were given an option of doing time in jail or the Army. When I joined the AF I also saw this first hand. Even though 99.9% of all military folks are normal law abiding citizens, we do have a few with "criminal Records" that have not changed thier ways in the services. That is not due to Bush or the Iraq war it's just representative of our citizens. As stated I bet there are military involved but that local Fairbanks kids are just as guilty. Lets not throw stones at the military while living in a glass house. However, if I get shot at I'll shoot back!
Wow go out of town for a few weeks and man all hell breaks loose. You know stuff like this happens every year at the fair but it usually ends then. I guess we will have to wait till winter and lets see who wants to fight over who's corner it is at 40 below. Ft. WW brings with it people who think they are in the lower forty eight until its cold then they don't look so big and bad not easy to run in bunny boots a parka and 5 layers of clothes.
It goes to show that not all the military boys in this town are as lily white as some of y'all like to think. Could it have anything to do with the Army and Marine Corps lowering its standards to recruit members?
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time to put the gun in the jeep
SlyArcticFox, if you think the military is bad try walking the halls of Lathrop.
Two groups of people get the blame for all the problems in Fairbanks. Military and Natives. It's still early in the thread though, those idiots will be commenting in the morning. Looking forward to it.
I'm glad no one got hurt.
I wish the news miner would report on just how many gun fights and shootings that there have been in Fairbanks just in the last month. I think you will find that it is in double digits, yet this is the first that we here about it?
Either FPD is keeping the lid on this behavior pretty well or DNM is missing out on the news. But hey, what has Angenlia Jolie done with her kids today, thats important too.
"Responding to violence with violence is not the answer."??????????
Should we try to ask them about their childhood while the bullets fly at our families? If faced with getting shot or a family getting injured, absolutely the answer is to respond with violence. Well aimed violence.
However, in the case of morons speeding around town winging bullets, being armed yourself may not be useful. But it seems ludicrous not to be prepared to defend you and yours when this kind of garbage is going on.
Leave it to the liberals to blame this on Bush! This is a direct result of the liberal mindset! Not President Bush. We have allowed our culture to transform into a veritable cesspool of humanity. No one is held accountable for their actions by the legal system or the citizens of this country. After all, if we throw them in jail what will happen to their self esteem?
Maybe the answer is to continue to fight over police officer benfit packages and continue to reduce officer pay and maybe even officer numbers. That should help! Excuse the sarcasm, but how surprised can we be?
wow...akatrouble...just wow.
aklown,it's not that the military or natives get all the blame it's just that when those groups are brought up in an incedent it gets blown out of porportion and remembered longer.
More police will not solve the problem. But it may increase the profits at the local bagel shop. The military is the root of this like it or not.
Be prepared to take care of yourselves like Alaskans always have and try not to waste your time dialing 911.
Pat
Upon reading this article I am glad I was not on college road at the time as my truck was full of kids. I was in that part of town up until 2pm. So I guess I was lucky this time but what about next time?
I agree we need to do something about this violence that is taking place in out community.
This makes me angry.
My wife and kids take that route. Unfortunately they will most likely get Alaskan Justice: the most liberal judges I have ever seen. Take that monster Brian Gailbraith for example who slit that young mental health worker's throat last year, the Fairbanks Superior Court Judge Robert Downes was all but going to release him until the DA stepped in and requested the case be taken from him. Do you want have more security then remember that judges name and repeat it to others and vote against him when his name comes up on the ballots. Having a gun can defend you but you do have to make it secure from children which means a commitment to practicing with it until safely using it becomes second nature, carrying it in a holster designed to resist another snatching it from you, remembering to secure it in a safe box and so on. Having a hand gun in the situation that Mr. Dave Throop found himself in would not have helped since he was not being pursued or targeted and it came as a total surprise.
Do you want a safer Alaska? Get to know your judges records.
Just publish the names & addresses of the suspects. Alaska will sort the rest out...
the police know all that info setec why aint the troopers doin anything
Hmmmm. Those of you who continue to say things as ridiculously ignorant as "The military is the root of this like it or not" need to re-read the article. After that, take time to understand your bias. After that, find some reality. Sure there are bad folk in the military - it would be stupid to suggest otherwise. But to honestly believe that the military is the root of all nasty-doings in our town places you in a fantasy land and makes you a little too blind to be taken seriously.
In fact, you may be so busy looking for and blaming the "threat" that comes wearing camos that you completely miss the threat next to you in Carhartts.
I am actually really nervous now, I would die if something happened to my kids.
We need more police, I used to complain about not having enough cops for traffic violations!
Okay! I am awake.
What can a mom like me do?
AKJAK - First of all, Fairbanks is a great place to raise kids? Not seeing it. I grew up in North Las Vegas and Fairbanks is just as ghetto as Vegas was, just on a smaller scale. You have wannabe gang members everywhere, whether it is a small city in Alaska or a small town in Iowa. Quit blaming the President on the problems of your city. I know for a fact that Fairbanks has had a ghetto wannabe gang problem long before the military ghetto gang members added their two cents. Quit whining about the President and war...it's getting old.
Oh yeah, someone said there were no bad parts of Fairbanks? Ever walked down 2 Street or Cushman Avenue? Ugh... Drunk people passed out and/or begging for money because they are lazy, youngsters selling drugs, nasty crack hookers... Ugly...
I remember about 6-7 yrs. ago that a gang was coming into Fairbanks. (someone had tipped the cops) Then "someone" tipped a parent. There were about 50-80 parents at the airport with signs saying " Go Home Crips" Go home Bloods" Go Home Peeps" "Not in OUR town" .. They were serious!! We drove about 35 of them out of town just by hanging out around them! We made their lives MISERABLE for about 5 days!!!
COME ON ALASKA!!!! WAKE UP!!
We still have the power! Most of these "gang" members are kids from your hood. Mine too. Find them! Point them out! Follow them! Let them know that you know who they are!
Some respond to kindness-- others to tough love! Some need to to be pushed out!
Come on Fairbanks---- Don't quit now!!
Peace BAAAA
OK-- So I don't have all of the answers. But HEY-- gotta start somewhere.
I've been involved with alot of these kids and punks and they've got be set straight!
Fear is a great motivator for both sides. Fear of being killed or shot at and a fear of being found out!
But for HEAVENS SAKE don't just sit there if you know something! Call the police, call your priest, heck-- call your mother!!!
Anything is better than nothing.. Don't live to the phrase "If only..."
Peace BAAAAA
All these idiots are MTV gangsters. Move to Cali or Washington where the real deal is at.....Wake up, you're in Fairbanks, What are ya'll claiming, College crips or Fairground bloods....or is it Safeway Parking lot bloods against the Carlson center crips. Pllleeeeaaaaaasssseeee you should be ashamed of trying to be a gangmember in Fairbanks Alaska....This is the Northpole not the Southpole...LOL...Sit down wannabes
For those of you who want to blame the the military for gang presnces.. for those who says ship the military out of here need to wake up. Gangs were here before us and they will be here after we ship out. Stop putting blame on 'the military' and put it on the individuals themselves.
The police never do anything when a 'gang' is involved. They always try to blame someone else and ask the gang members to point fingers at the victims. Yes we have had punk gang wannabes for many years and the police have just let them go. Some people believe it is for job security. I don't know why but it is widely known that 'gangs' get a free pass from the police so now they are getting more aggresive because they know nothing will happen. I would bet that no one gets arrested.
Knock it off with this "military" thing! Gangs are gangs!
Our USA military is a fighting machine--not a wanna-be gangsta star! They want to be know for freedom and peace not "Guess who I popped yesterday?"
Idiots are everywhere ( said it before and I'll say it again!) Don't lump my brother, father, uncles, cousins or family into your idea of "Military&q