Pocono News Section

I-Team: Talking With A Former Gang Member

I-Team: Talking With A Former Gang Member - Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 10:30PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Thursday, Oct 4, 2007 @10:30pm EST
In recent weeks -- we have seen a rash of gang-related crimes and while they are not connected, they are sending a signal: Gang activity is here.

The I-Team got some rare insight into the gang mentality. Andy Mehalshick talked with a local teenager who was a gang member for years. We won't say where he is from or what gang he belonged to as he fears retribution against him and his family. We can tell you that he says the "gang world" is very real.

Andy asks, "What did you get out of it? Was it a power thing? Belonging? Was it a good thing for you?

The former gang member responds, "At first ,when I was younger it was about being cool or whatever, when you start having problems with certain people you're outnumbered. A power thing, like nobody messes with you, they see you wearing a bandana they eventually know who you are, they don't mess with you. Then it's a loyalty thing like being loyal to people."