Police: Teen gang members involved in crime spike

Teenage gang members have contributed to the increase in violent crime around Jacksonville, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Teens from Raines, Ribault and Lee high schools have been involved in a shooting war recently, according to an officer in JSO’s gang unit.

JSO has increased police presence on the street as well as met with parents at Raines High School Wednesday to give them more information on the problem.

Gang specialists showed parents pictures of gang related tattoos and images and encouraged them to sift through their children’s notebooks in search of signs of gang affiliations.

JSO said the kids involved are some of the most violent they have seen.

School board member Constance Hall was among the shocked parents during Wednesday’s meeting.

“(We need to) beef up our actions to support schools more,” Hall said.

Parents said they did not realize the gang problem impacted kids of such a young age.

JSO said some of the youngest members are 11 years old.