A major gang crackdown in Brooklyn has led to the arrests of 18 alleged gang members, many of whom are minors.

"Most of the defendants in this case were teenagers when they allegedly committed the charged crimes. Some of them were as young as 16, 15, 14," said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

What You Need To Know

  • At least 15 firearms were recovered during the years-long investigation

  • Officials say 10 people were also injured during the shootings, including eight innocent bystanders

  • Members of two Bloods-related gangs — know as H-Block and Nine Train Billy, respectively — were named in this 85-count indictment

  • Investigators said the H-Block crew opened fire on another gang, killing a 16-year-old alleged gang member and wounding three others, including a bystander

According to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, the suspects were arrested in connection with 12 shootings — two of which were fatal.

"Both of these murder victims were only 16 years old when they lost their lives," said Gonzalez.

At least 15 firearms were recovered during the years-long investigation. Officials say the other shootings injured 10 people — eight of whom were innocent bystanders.

"The complete disregard for human life and the needless suffering of community members who were safely trying to enjoy their lives," said Gonzalez.

Members of two Bloods-related gangs — known as H-Block and Nine Train Billy, respectively, who prosecutors say have a territorial alliance with each other — were named in the 85-count indictment.

"These defendants simply don't care,” said Gonzalez. “They fire indiscriminately whenever they think that a member of an opposing gang is in the area. Not thinking for a minute about the damage and the trauma that they're causing to their own community.”

Gonzalez said the violence began in August of 2021, when the two Bloods gangs allegedly started a turf war with rival gangs. Investigators said the H-Block crew opened fire on another gang, killing a 16-year-old alleged gang member and wounding three others, including a bystander.

"That shooting triggered a series of retaliatory shootings and many of those shootings are now part of this indictment," said Gonzalez.

Investigators said the suspects often posted about their crimes on social media, making it easier to track them down and ultimately, arrest them. Gonzalez issued a stern warning to those thinking of committing similar acts of violence.

"If you fire a gun in our community, we're gonna prosecute you and send you to prison," said Gonzalez.

The defendants are facing murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and weapons possession charges.