Ohio is a state with a rich history, culture, and economy. However, it also faces a serious problem of crime and violence, largely fueled by the presence and activities of gangs. In this article, we will explore some of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over Ohio, and the impact they have on the communities they operate in.
1. MS-13
MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, and has since spread to many parts of the world, including Ohio. MS-13 is notorious for its brutality, ruthlessness, and involvement in various crimes, such as murder, rape, extortion, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. MS-13 members are easily identifiable by their distinctive tattoos, which often cover their faces and bodies. MS-13 has a strong presence in Columbus, where it has clashed with other gangs and law enforcement.
2. Hells Angels
Hells Angels is a motorcycle club that was founded in California in 1948, and has since grown into a global organization with chapters in many countries. Hells Angels is considered an outlaw motorcycle club, as it engages in criminal activities such as drug dealing, arms smuggling, racketeering, and murder. Hells Angels members are known for their loyalty to the club, their Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and their patches that display a winged skull logo. Hells Angels has a significant presence in Ohio, where it has been involved in violent conflicts with rival motorcycle clubs, such as the Outlaws and the Iron Horsemen.
3. Latin Kings
Latin Kings is a street gang that was formed in Chicago in the 1940s, and has since expanded to many states, including Ohio. Latin Kings is one of the largest and most organized Hispanic gangs in the US, with a hierarchical structure and a code of conduct. Latin Kings is involved in various crimes, such as robbery, assault, vandalism, and drug distribution. Latin Kings members are recognizable by their colors of black and gold, their five-pointed crown symbols, and their hand signs. Latin Kings has a strong presence in Cleveland, where it has been involved in turf wars with other gangs, such as the Vice Lords and the Gangster Disciples.
4. Polish-American Organized Crime
Polish-American Organized Crime is a term used to describe the criminal activities of individuals and groups of Polish descent in the US, especially in Ohio. Polish-American Organized Crime is mainly involved in gambling, loan sharking, extortion, and money laundering. Polish-American Organized Crime has ties to the Pittsburgh crime family, which is a branch of the Italian-American Mafia. Polish-American Organized Crime operates in various cities in Ohio, such as Youngstown, Cleveland, and Toledo.
5. 2hunnid
2hunnid is a street gang that was formed in Dayton, Ohio, in the early 2010s. 2hunnid is a subset of the Bloods, a nationwide gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s. 2hunnid is known for its violence, aggression, and disrespect for authority. 2hunnid is involved in various crimes, such as car theft, burglary, robbery, and shooting. 2hunnid members are identifiable by their red clothing, bandanas, and jewelry. 2hunnid has been a major source of trouble in Montgomery County, where it has been responsible for several car thefts and violent crimes.
6. 4way
4way is another street gang that was formed in Dayton, Ohio, in the early 2010s. 4way is a rival of 2hunnid, and is also a subset of the Bloods. 4way is known for its hostility, recklessness, and disregard for the law. 4way is involved in various crimes, such as car theft, burglary, robbery, and shooting. 4way members are identifiable by their red clothing, bandanas, and jewelry. 4way has been a major source of trouble in Montgomery County, where it has been responsible for several car thefts and violent crimes.
7. Somali Outlaws
Somali Outlaws is a street gang that was formed in Columbus, Ohio, in the late 2000s. Somali Outlaws is composed of young men of Somali origin, who came to the US as refugees or immigrants. Somali Outlaws is known for its violence, intimidation, and involvement in various crimes, such as robbery, assault, drug dealing, and human trafficking. Somali Outlaws members are recognizable by their clothing, which often features the colors of the Somali flag, and their tattoos, which often include the word “Outlaw” or the initials “SO”. Somali Outlaws has been a major source of concern in Columbus, where it has been involved in several shootings and homicides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio is a state that is facing a serious challenge of crime and violence, largely driven by the presence and activities of gangs. These gangs vary in their origins, structures, affiliations, and modus operandi, but they all pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the communities they operate in. Addressing the issue of gangs in Ohio requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, involving law enforcement, community organizations, social services, and education. By working together, we can hope to reduce the influence of gangs, and create a more peaceful and prosperous Ohio.