Police Sting Arrests 8 Members of the "Raised on Cleveland" Gang

, according to a recent article in Cascade Patch and Atlanta police say much needed support is being provided in the community. 

A recent four-week operational sting in October—by the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force Counter Gang Unit (SERFTF) and the Atlanta Police Department Gang Unit—led to the arrest of eight members of the "Raised on Cleveland" gang recently, according to authorities.

The primary focus in recent weeks was on street gangs in the Cleveland Avenue, Mechanicsville, and Summerville neighborhoods of southwest Atlanta, according to Gavin Duffy, Senior Inspector for the Marshals Service. Marshals seized two vehicles, more than $10,000 in cash, four firearms, and illegal narcotics with a street value of more than $50,000.

In a press release, Duffy said, four suspects were arrested for crimes that included homicide, armed robbery, and drug-related charges .Those arrested included Phillip Tarver, wanted for the slaying of a 17-year-old in south Atlanta; Cedric Thompson, aggravated assault; Steven Collymore, armed robbery; and Leon Collins, armed robbery and carjacking.

Two other fugitives, Deante White and Kenny Norwood, are being sought on firearms and narcotics violations.

"The CGU (Criminal Gang Unit) is only a few months old and is already proving to be a vital asset to SERFTF enforcement operations and a critical partner to the APD," said Keith Booker, Commander of SERFTF. 

"Its effectiveness in surgically targeting violent gang members and reducing their ability to commit acts of violence has been praised by the Atlanta Chief of Police.  Our partnership is valuable to removing violent gang members from the Atlanta streets."

If anyone has any information about White and Norwood, please contact Crimestoppers at (404) 577-TIPS.