Shootings were gang-related

By Jim Osborn josborn@columbustelegram.com
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 - 11:29:34 am CDT

COLUMBUS -- A 17-year-old Columbus boy was walking toward a car Tuesday evening at a city mobile home park when the passenger side window was rolled down and another teen began firing with a shotgun.

That was the scene described by one of five victims of Tuesday’s drive-by shooting at Carriage House Estates involving members of rival Columbus street gangs.

The shotgun blast, one of four the 16-year-old shooting suspect admitted firing in an arrest affidavit filed by Columbus Investigator Greg Sealock, left the wounded teen with shotgun pellets in his chest and upper torso.

The wounded teen said he believed he was the “target” of the 6:42 p.m. attack that also wounded four other male juveniles, according to Sealock’s statement.

The suspect, who was arrested late Tuesday at a residence in the 800 block of 26th Avenue for attempted first-degree murder and use of a weapon to commit a felony, appeared Wednesday in Platte County Court.

Judge Patrick McDermott set the suspect’s bond at 10 percent of $750,000 and scheduled an arraignment hearing for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 27.

The judge also appointed Platte County Public Defender Sam Bethune to represent the suspect, who is being held in Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Detention Center in Madison.

The names of the suspect and victims are not being released because of their ages. One of the victims is a resident of the mobile home park, while the others were city residents who were visiting the area.

Authorities said all the juveniles involved in the shooting are members of city street gangs.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect’s orange 1996 Chevrolet Camaro was stopped on a central access road at Carriage House Estates in the 2500 block of Fourth Avenue at the entrance to a cul-de-sac, Sealock said.

The investigator said the primary victim of the shooting was approaching the suspect vehicle as the passenger window was lowered all the way down.

“(The victim) said he was 35 to 50 feet away from the vehicle, attempting to see who was inside, when he observed the passenger pull out a long gun and fire it at him,’’ Sealock stated. “The victim said he dove for cover and heard two or three additional shots.”

Four other boys were struck in the chest, neck, face or head areas by the shotgun pellets. All five victims refused emergency medical treatment at the scene, but later went to the hospital by private transportation.

“The suspect,’’ according to Sealock’s statement, “admitted to firing four shots from a shotgun in the direction of a group of opposing gang members.”

The weapon used in the shooting had not been recovered as of Wednesday morning.

The charges against the shooting suspect are Class II felonies, punishable by a maximum sentence of 50 years and a minimum of one year imprisonment.

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gg
Aug 21, 2008 11:55 AM
Whether these teenagers in the gangs realize it or not they are role models. If they want to grow up safe and have there future families safe they need to stop the bull sh.... What does Columbus need do they need more mentoring programs a recreation spot. Parent who are actively involved in places where kids hand out. What needs to be done? I also believe the school has a great education opportunity right now to talk to the kids about violence, gangs, being a role model. The kids in schools need to be told the truth and they need to know how to deal with this current act of violence.
LT
Aug 21, 2008 12:03 PM
Why dont these gang people grow up and act adult. This gang crap in Columbus is crazy anywhere for that matter. Shooting people is not how you solve problems. And for that matter neither is fighting. HMMM...teenager with a gun. Parents lock those guns up if you really think you need them. Its no wonder why the world is the way it is...with violent cartoons, video games and no parent guidance. Why in the hell did he have access to a gun? Parents not teaching your kids how to deal with problems and big egos. Geez...grow up and quit acting crazy and immature.
Concerned
Aug 21, 2008 12:14 PM
Do you still think these are just rumors? We were told that everything is just a rumor and nothing will happen in the school. We were informed of rumors of a retaliation but we were told that are kids are safe in school and nothing has been confirmed. I did see our city police at the school watching but nobody is checking bags for weapons and there are no metal detectors. How about we finally get told the truth about what is really going on in Columbus and our school systems. When something bigger happens (and I hope it never does) are we going to be told it was just a rumor and our kids our safe. It is time to protect our kids more and get rid of the gangs. Last years situation was also suppose to be gang related but we were also told that was a rumor. We see the signs of gangs all over town, my question is, When are we going to stand up as a community and do something about this. We all need to work together if we are going to get these gangs out of our town. Our police department needs to do more to eliminate the gangs before this gets a lot worse. Lets take back our nice little communtity!!!
Government at its best
Aug 21, 2008 12:53 PM
Unbelieveable for my little home town of Columbus Nebraska. Decent law abiding and tax paying citizens need to demand our government get off their duffs and make the laws that will allow states and cities to address what kind of riff raff lives in our United States.
Smarty Jones
Aug 21, 2008 1:14 PM
Close down all trailer courts in Platte County! They are nothing but trouble!
whitey
Aug 21, 2008 1:33 PM
amazing that the shooter was arrested on 26th ave 800 block. they have been painting on everything that doesn't move down there for the last 2 years. just go house to house and clean them out!
we dont have gangs
Aug 21, 2008 1:39 PM
when my kids was going to school i called the school and asked about all this gang member's.but the principal then said we don't have gang members here or we don't have problem's with kids that think they are better. like we have the rich,the middle class kids, then we have the low kid's that have to have help because they are slow and can't hear they allway's gor picked on. NO NOTHING WAS DONE we didn't have problem's in the school.all i have i have to say.
paulcan
Aug 21, 2008 1:52 PM
The driver of the car should be arrested as well, as an accessory to the crime.
high ups
Aug 21, 2008 2:03 PM
from what i have heard, the high ups in the police dept. keep trying to tell other city leaders and people that columbus doesn't have a gang problem, yet they have a book like 10 inches thick on gang activities and members..
To concerned
Aug 21, 2008 2:32 PM
I agree with you totally! We need to help the police out. It's our community and we need to do something.

I would first like to see a public forum held by the police to let people know what can be done to help the CPD. It all begins with knowledge. If you see something suspicious call it in, what if you don't know "suspicious" behavior? We can take back Columbus and make it a better place to live, but, that involves doing something about the problem, not just complaining about it.

I want my children (high school age) to feel safe in this town!
Travis
Aug 21, 2008 2:47 PM
Who do you think are influencing these kids to do this crap. It's the adult so called gang members that run these gangs and give these kids what they don't have at home, either respect or attention. All this is the parent's fault. The parent's don't check up on their kids with what they are doing throughout the day and night. I understand you don't need to spy on your kids but you need to understand if your child is quiet or distant at home and keeps to himself all the time. The reason these kids join gangs is for attention. All schools should have metal detectors and the schools need to keep certain rooms under lock that hold things that could be used as a weapon. Who's not to say that a kid can walk into a chemisty room and grab some acid and throw it onto someone they don't like? Both the Columbus and Lakeview school district need to get together and formulate a plan that needs to be enforced when it comes to these kids and weapons. The law should say that any adult who holds guns in their household should be keep under lock or stored in a vault. I could rant on and on but what do all of you think? I'm a parent to two young children and I'm scared for them because I brought them into a world of violence and uncertainty.
jusasec
Aug 21, 2008 2:53 PM
To all those previous posters who said "there are no gangs in Columbus, at least not any 'real' gangs", "they're just a bunch of punk kids" and the classic "they're just "gangsta wannabes": Now do you believe it? Those of us who have known/believed for quite some time that the gang activity in Columbus was more than just a bunch of punk kids spray painting in their spare time tried to tell you all that it was only a matter of time before these so-called "wannabes" did something more violent than tag a house, but you wouldn't believe it. Well, now we have our first "official" gang drive-by shooting. Keep burying your collective heads in the sand and see how this escalates over the next few years. Bet this won't be the last one we see.
to concerned
Aug 21, 2008 3:03 PM
to concerned:
be a little more dramatic buddy. I think you need a reality check. You must not be a parent and if you are I feel sorry for your kids.
kiwi
Aug 21, 2008 3:04 PM
okay, yeah Columbus isn't Omaha but at least in Omaha my child can wear the number 11, 13 and have crowns on their clothes. It's called denial that some of you say there aren't gangs.
yeah, Omaha does have "killings" everyday but most of the time they're gang members killing gang members in north or south omaha, not just some joe schmoe walking down the street.
unfortunately, there are those innocent bystanders but obviously Columbus needs to do something about their gangs. It's too "small" of a town to let these gangs overtake their city like they have been.
Ultimately, it's about education and family. Most of these kids in these gangs are uneducated and most likely don't have a stable home.
C'mon Columbus, don't be in denial and think that just because you're smaller than Omaha that you don't have "issues" oh you have issues it's just that your issues aren't reported or covered like Omaha's are so it makes Omaha seem worse than you guys, nope don't think so.
Kay
Aug 21, 2008 3:22 PM
The mexican gangs in Columbus are out of control. This incident needs to have the maximum penalty be issued to be used as an example to these gangs. If this goes by with a slap of the hand - there will be more of these in the near future.

The painting of buildings in Columbus by these gangs is another example. Catch them and make them scrub the building down with a tooth brush and repaint it.
To Travis
Aug 21, 2008 3:25 PM
So you want to raise your kids in an area with metal detectors and lab equipment under constant lock and key? why not get rid of science all together?? (sarcasm) I for one dont want to raise my kids in a prison any more than around abundant violence.
agreeing
Aug 21, 2008 3:40 PM
I agree this isnt going to be the last one that we see. I think it is going to keep getting worse. I would really like to see these kids get closer to the maximum penalty than the minimum. One year of imprisonment isnt crap! For taking a gun and injuring 5 people and getting "attempted" FIRST DEGREE MURDER charges, I think, even though they may not be "adults" "18" "19" they should be in prison longer than a minimum of one year. Maybe if the courts would do closer to the maximum, it "help" show the other "gang" memebers that the county government is not going to tolerate with these kinds of activities. I also agree that the driver should be into trouble....he WAS assisting in the situation.
Neighborhood Crime Watch
Aug 21, 2008 3:47 PM
Set up Neighborhood Crime Watches and post signs to that effect. It really helps but the whole neighborhood has to get stay involved to make it work. The police work with a designated captain for the neighborhood and that person posts signs that warn everyone if something has happened in their area and gives a phone number to call in for details and/or to report any information you have. It has been shown to be very effective where I currently live. When everyone got involved in it, it benefited the area and city and crime is WAY down from what it was. Sounds good guys, get involved and get something going. If I still lived there I would be working with the police to get that started right now!
Talking Smack
Aug 21, 2008 3:57 PM
SMARTY JONES not to smart. You must be one of those rich ones. I live in that trailer park and I love it. Then again I have never done drugs, smoke, drank, or been in trouble with the law when I was younger. I am willing to bet you cant say the same. Think before you speak.

As for what is going on in Columbus with gangs. I hate to say it but I dont think we can stop it. Only try and make the best of it intill WE as a community can come up with a solution.
Cathy
Aug 21, 2008 4:10 PM
The Grand Island Multicultural Coalition had a guest speaker at their 2007 conference that was from Omaha. He did a wonderful job explaining how Omaha is dealing with Gang activity. I struggle to understand gang menatlity and work with youth every day. The community needs to educate itself about multicultural issues and poverty issues. The more people willing to go to these types of conferences and educate their communities the better chance you have of improving the problems.
MM
Aug 21, 2008 4:29 PM
I read one post and was surprised that you think that chemicals in schools should be locked up because a child could throw them on someone. I work at the Juvenile Center where this gang member is placed. These kids can use pencils, pens, and scissors. They aren't stupid. It isn't like they need anything to make it a weapon. It isn't about locking things up anymore. This is about doing something for these kids that makes them learn some respect and responsibility. There are real gangs in Columbus and for those who don't think that, you really do need to wake up. I see these kids every time that I go to work and they aren't just little punk kids tagging a wall or the side of a train. When they don't get the attention for that, something bigger is what they are going to do. Don't sit and blame the police either because there are so many things going on that they can't even deal with them most of the time. Which would you be more worried about most of the time, you're car or house being broken into or them dealing with a gang member. I bet you are going to take your stuff over that gang member at the time because you think your things are important. Gangs in this town are serious and we should all be trying to do something to where our children are safe to play outside. I wouldn't want my child outside playing when I am worrying about drive by shootings. The whole reason I live here and not in Omaha or Lincoln is because I wanted to feel safer. Are we going to be the next Omaha or Lincoln with gangs everywhere and making the news with drive bys and our children in danger every day. The school should be checking for guns and other weapons but you have to be watching these children. Remember that that is what most of them are...children. When one gang member messes with another gang's member, there is going to be some sort of retaliation. It may not be today, this week, or this month, but eventually it will happen. That is the structure and we need to have our eyes open and find some way to at least attempt to fix this problem. It isn't just a bunch of punk kids....this is serious. I hope that those that thought they were not real gangs realize now that they aren't just punk kids. They are for real and are going to do what it takes for them to establish themselves. This is only the beginning.
Gang prevention
Aug 21, 2008 4:48 PM
How about closing some of the bars in town, and find some more family type events for parents to spend time with the children.
The adults need to set a good example for the children and also spend time teaching them how to be a good person. Kids can not wait to grow up and be like an adult and do the same things. Is that drinking , fighting and smoking. Teach them to go fishing, playing sports and helping others. I spent a lot of time taking my kids to events, clubs and what ever to keep the out of trouble, yes they got spankings, cussing and yes they grew up to be good people.
I see too many people who do not want to raise their children, just turn them loose. A child is a long term hobby like about 20 years or so. Easy to have them it take no brains to produce them but wow it take a lot of effort to raise them.
Travis
Aug 21, 2008 6:08 PM
How about schools bringing back the paddle and swatting these kids that get out of control. We didn't have this crap back in the 60's. Hell if my kid would get out of hand in school I wouldn't care if he/she got a nice slap on the butt. It may knock some sense into our kids to stay out of trouble.
Chrismouse
Aug 21, 2008 7:11 PM
How sad it is that something like this has happened in our town. Why is it that so many young people today see violence as the only way to resolve their differences?
Is Columbus now going to become like so many other places where shootings like this have become routine? I HOPE NOT!
Chrismouse
Aug 21, 2008 7:37 PM
To "Smarty Jones",
Closing down the mobile home parks will not solve the problem, in the first place the majority of people who live in them are decent, hardworking folks just like those of us who don't live in one, and I think most of them are trying to be good parents too.
Being a parent has always been a tough job, and it is even harder now than it was when I was raising my kids.
And for Travis, why should it be up to the schools to dicipline our kids? That is the PARENTS job! Unfortunately, too many parents are afraid to spank their kids for fear of being charged with child abuse. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between diciplining a child with a swat on the backside, and abuse such as slapping them across the face, or using anything except an open hand on their rear ends.
geoluckycharm
Aug 21, 2008 8:46 PM
People can make all the suggestions in the world but if they are not going to act on them then they should just shut up. If they are going to talk the talk they should be willing to walk the walk. People should be asking what can I do to help. Our schools are there to educate our children not raise our children. This is not a trailer park problem, or school problem, it is a community problem. Parents, neighbors and friends need to be the role models for our children. Values and morals start at home.
Dare to think
Aug 21, 2008 9:07 PM
Is anyone else wishing that the "DARE" program was still around????
JM
Aug 21, 2008 9:11 PM
How does this get to "close some bars"? I hate to tell you this but these kids are not just the ones whos parents go to the bar. There are adults in these gangs too. Could be someones parent. I am in my 30's and occasionally go to the bars, but I make sure that my kids are taken care of. This is a serious problem that the entire town needs to be addressing. Schools, businesses, churches, police-everyone. Everyone should stop pointing fingers at who is to blame and start working together to fix the problem.
Bucky
Aug 21, 2008 10:13 PM
They come and establish their heritage in our 'small town' communities, march for their 'legal rights', demand to be legalized by a stroke of a pen without having to work for it, refuse to fly our flag or speak our language, and also are bringing their 'right' to practice gang activities common of their culture. Soooo....when ya gonna wake up people?
parent
Aug 21, 2008 11:47 PM
MM - you have hit the nail on the head. The people involved in this incident were CHILDREN! We as a community need to help all children see that NOTHING IS WORTH TAKING THE LIFE OF ANOTHER! I am sad to say that this week we have lost the life of a child in Columbus. The BOY who shot the gun has lost his rights - his LIFE as he knew it. As it should be - but was it worth it?? I will be thinking of him, his family and his friends, and praying that they all make it through this. I will do the same for the victims of the shooting, hoping that all of the people that this has touched realize that Life is precious and should be treasured. We as a community - are very fortunate that we did not lose more than one child's life! I pray that this is an eye opener for the people in our community. We need to try and teach our children and the children next door RESPECT - Respect for the life of those around us, whether it be for the people next door or the stranger from the other side of town. This is not a HISPANIC problem - this is a community problem. The Hispanic people that everyone is going on about are very much a part of OUR COMMUNITY. Let them be and address the issue at hand. People, young and old that have no respect for themselves let alone respect for those around them. Help someone you don't know - show them some respect. ACTIONS ARE LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Get out
Aug 22, 2008 1:46 AM
for all you columbus citizens....LEAVE!!! you are getting ran out by a certain group of people causing most of these problems. Sadly most of the high up people dont see these or are persuaded otherwise. And lastly the police need to start cracking down on this nosense, instead of busting a "drinking" party of 5 people. WoW how sad columbus has gotten in the past few years. For all of you that still live there.... I AM SORRY!!!!
Mcluvin
Aug 22, 2008 1:50 AM
Wow... this is crazy. I'm just wondering whats the next big story going to be... things dont start getting better I'm going to move.
Reality check
Aug 22, 2008 8:06 AM
Ok, listen up. Everyone's so quick to make comments about things that they don't understand! 1st of all these kids have no one else but eachother, nothing better to do, and no one to show them anything else. 2nd these kids are in your kid's classes, on your kid's teams, and the big brother they learned it from works with you. If your really that blind not to see that the problem didn't start with these kids. It starts at home with the older brother or the uncle, even the no good father in some cases. It's gonna take more than just some concerned citizens. The children has to be where this epidemic ends. If we educate our children. Maybe it'll sink in. Maybe not, but our focus should be on our children. And how a 16yr old "child" got ahold of this gun, and how to nip this sort of thing in the bud before something more drastic happens!!
Bucky Hit the Nail on the Head
Aug 22, 2008 9:22 AM
Bucky, you are so correct. Hard to believe that Columbus of all places is getting to this level. People are accommodating and politically correct for now, just wait. It will get much worse.
dd
Aug 22, 2008 9:25 AM
they get involved in gangs because of there community there aren't as well accepted so they join the gang its like there family. they just need more things to do. i know because used to hang out with a gang and was almost in it but realized it wasn't the right way to go...
JG
Aug 22, 2008 10:11 AM
dd--I', glad you turned away from the gangs, but saying kids need more things to do--Come on-that's a cop out. More thing to do? I guess that's why there aren't any gang problems in LA or Chicago, or New York, or for that matter any major metro area where there are plenty of things for them to do. It's not that the kids don't have anything to do--it's that the kids are looking for somebody to accept them and show them respect. Where I came from that was the responsibility of the parents, then the church, then the schools. We could build every attraction to draw kids into, but the kids who don't have any idea that there is something bigger than them that they need to be responsible to will just go in and destroy and vandalise whatever it is that we build for them. Here's some ideas--Get a job, get involved in after school activities, do community service (before you're required too), help out a neighbor, pick up litter along roads--Sorry there are plenty of things to do in this community and it starts with each one of us as individuals.
Brad
Aug 22, 2008 10:51 AM
"they get involved in gangs because of there community there aren't as well accepted so they join the gang its like there family"

This is not an excuse to shoot at someone. If they want to be accepted driving around shooting at people is not helping. I suspect they have no interest in being a part of the community. We have no reason to blame ourselves. It's this kind of mentality that has made us into a spineless society afraid to hurt someone's feelings. Wrong is wrong no matter how you look at it.

"they just need more things to do"

I've got a few things they could do. How about leave town or push up daisies.
sickofit
Aug 22, 2008 11:01 AM
dd,

you are so wrong to blame the actions of these punks on the city. lack of entertainment just doesn't cut it. if you don't have anything to do, get a job. too young to work? go home and do some chores. if your parent(s) have to work, I'm sure they would greatly appreciated the effort. still bored? read a book. learn to play an instrument. how about doing some volunteer work for your church or school? don't have a church? get one! aren't involved in school? get involved! nothing to do is not a reason to join a gang. it's a sorry excuse. generations have grown up in this town and found no need to join a gang, much less attempt to do murder.
Calm down
Aug 22, 2008 11:31 AM
Everyone fuh-reaking out about this needs a little perspective, in my opinion. So you want to leave because Columbus is becoming such a hotbed of gang activity? Well, I guess you could go to Tarnov, Stromsburg or, I dunno, Dwight then. But if you'd realy like to see what most of the country is like in regards to crime, come live in a bigger city anywhere in the States. Crime is a reality. I grew up in Columbus and granted, there seems to be a lot more "trash" in town now than when I was growing up (trash of ALL SHADES, mind you), but one kid with a shotgun grudge on another (probably just as trashy as the shooter) does not a hotbed of crime make.

I think the police are doing their jobs there. If you disagree, do something about it. Look into volunteer efforts or groups in town to aid in anti-gang programs, etc. Be OF SERVICE to Columbus. Don't just whine about how bad it is.

But I wouldn't say anyone is in denial simply because they don't feel comfortable labeling Columbus "gang town" just yet. Get a grip... just a little. Anyone needing a look at what a high-crime area looks like can visit me in Florida anytime. I;d be glad to show you how safe you are, overall, in your town.

That said, if everyone just plays by the same general rules (know your surroundings, stay active in your kids' lives, surround yourselves with quality people, stay away from drugs, etc.) you are pretty darn safe in Columbus.
c
Aug 22, 2008 1:01 PM
I would like to say that even if some people do not think Columbus has a gang problem, it has some sort of problem. We may not be Omaha or Lincoln but do we want to be? Something needs to be done now. I have a 4 year old and I am very scared of what Columbus will be when he gets into high school.
act on it
Aug 22, 2008 1:05 PM
to dd: you would be perfect to give talks at schools, etc. on why you did not join and how much better off you are because you did not. Do it!
ME
Aug 22, 2008 1:53 PM
Most people in Columbus have their noses in the air and don't think that anything like that can happen in a town the size of Columbus. But guess what? It happened! Maybe these people should get off of their high horses and come down to earth and reality for a moment and see what is really going on!!
Well said CALM DOWN
Aug 22, 2008 3:04 PM
Well said CALM DOWN. I think people need to step back and take a breath. Stay involved in your child's activities and be alert when in public. We're not in Mayberry.
WheresTheRealNews
Aug 22, 2008 11:14 PM
Blame the city, blame the bars, blame the city officals, blame our fine officers in blue, Point all you want but parenting is the key to this wheel, and you all know it. I would bet the parents of these fine lads are not by any means model citizens. If they were they would have been giving these small minded kids the belt long ago. Raising children is a big responsibility people, everything you do influences your children. get it together or it will be your child on the front page.
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