Rich in culture, economy, and history is Ohio. It also has a serious problem with crime and violence, though, which is made worse by the existence and activities of gangs. Here, we will examine some of the deadliest gangs that are sweeping Ohio and their impact on the communities in which they operate.
1. 2hunnid
Early in the new millennium, the Dayton, Ohio, street gang 2hunnid was formed. Within the national Bloods gang, which was established in Los Angeles in the 1970s, is 2hunnid. Its rage, savagery, and contempt for authority are well-known.
Among the several crimes 2hunnid is involved in are shooting, burglary, robbery, and motor theft. The red clothes, bandanas, and jewelry of 2hunnid members help to identify them. With 2hunnid being connected to multiple car thefts and violent crimes, it has become a major source of worry in Montgomery County.
2. MS-13
Ohio is now a part of the global MS-13, sometimes referred to as Mara Salvatrucha, international gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s. The brutality, violence, and involvement in a variety of crimes—murder, rape, extortion, drug and human trafficking—that define MS-13 are well known.
Because MS-13 members have distinctive tattoos that often cover their faces and bodies, they are easily identified. MS-13 has fought both law enforcement and other gangs in Columbus, where it is well-established.
3. Hell’s Angels
Beginning in California in 1948, the Hells Angels motorcycle club has grown into a worldwide organization with branches in other nations. Because Hells Angels engages in illicit operations including drug trafficking, weapon smuggling, racketeering, and murder, it is considered an outlaw motorcycle club.
Members of Hells Angels are honored by their commitment to the organization, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and patches bearing a winged skull emblem. Largely present in Ohio, the Hells Angels have fought other motorcycle gangs including the Outlaws and the Iron Horsemen in lethal confrontations.
4. Latin Kings
Ohio is among the states where the street gang Latin Kings has expanded from its 1940s Chicago origins. Having a hierarchy and set of regulations, Latin Kings is one of the biggest and best-run Hispanic gangs in the US. Among the many offenses Latin Kings is charged with are drug trafficking, assault, robbery, and graffiti.
Members of Latin Kings are identified by hand signals, five-pointed crown emblems, and black and gold outfits. Significantly present in Cleveland, Latin Kings has fought other gangs including the Vice Lords and the Gangster Disciples for territory.
5. Polish-American Organized Crime
The criminal acts of persons and organizations of Polish ancestry in the United States, especially in Ohio, are referred to as Polish-American Organized Crime. Main activities of Polish-American organized crime include money laundering, extortion, loan sharking, and gambling.
A division of the Italian-American Mafia, the Pittsburgh criminal family is associated with Polish-American organized crime. Organizational crime linked to Polish Americans is active in Youngstown, Cleveland, and Toledo, among other Ohio cities.
Conclusion
Rich history and economy of Ohio are eclipsed by a serious crime issue, mostly driven by many gangs. Through a range of illegal activities and challenges to law enforcement, groups like 2hunnid in Dayton, MS-13 in Columbus, Hell’s Angels with a statewide presence, Latin Kings in Cleveland, and Polish-American Organized Crime in cities like Youngstown and Toledo all add to concerns about crime and violence.