Police round up Hidden Valley Kings members, file lawsuit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police in Charlotte say they're trying to act quickly to stem a surge in activity from a notorious gang bent on making a comeback.

This morning police began rounding up the first of dozens of suspected members of the Hidden Valley Kings gang.

The gang had flown under the radar over the last few years after many of its leaders were sent to federal prison in 2006.

Recently, though, police say the gang has been recruiting new members and getting involved in drug dealing and violence.

"Any time you're out here selling drugs, somebody's got to protect the money, somebody's got to protect the drugs. You're going to carry guns. You're going to intimidate people. You're going to assault people," said Police Chief Rodney Monroe.

Police now say two men involved in a shootout with police in June during an undercover drug buy near Hidden Valley Elementary School were suspected members of the Hidden Valley Kings.

Chief Rodney Monroe says investigators have spent the last eight months tracking the gang's movements.

Today, in addition to making arrests, CMPD says it's trying a new approach to curbing the gang's activity.

The City of Charlotte and CMPD are suing the gang and also asking a judge for an injunction against more than 20 suspected gang members.

"What we're asking the court to do is issue an order prohibiting gang members from meeting together in certain public places," said Police Attorney Mark Newbold. A court hearing is set for next week.

Police say they hope the move will help them keep older, experienced gang members from recruiting teen members. "We're trying to drive that segment out of the community," Monroe said.