Living In Gangland

Series produced by Northwest News Network (N3)

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Gang violence is mostly a big city problem. But in parts of the rural Northwest, police are grappling with gang rivalries, graffiti and even drive-by shootings. And it’s not just in the small towns. Gang members are frequenting public recreation lands: boat launches, fishing holes, hunting areas. This week we’re taking a look at what police say is a resurgence of gang activity - especially in rural areas.

In this four part series, the Northwest News Network profiles four people whose lives are profoundly affected by gangs. Part 1 follows a state Fish and Wildlife officer as he finds gang members at a fishing hole. Part 2 is the story of one woman trying to rid a small Washington town of gangs. The third installment profiles two women and their reactions to their own family members living the gang life. Part 4 is the story of one young Idaho man who got out of his gang and lived.


4 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: Alfonso Santos points to one of the bullet holes left in a fence from a drive-by gang shooting he was the target of in Caldwell, Idaho. , Credit: By Jessica Robinson
CALDWELL, Idaho - Most new gang members join when they’re about 13 years old. They think the gang will give them prestige, a sense of belonging and...

Bought by KDNA Radio and KXOT Public Radio


  • Added: Apr 18, 2011
  • Length: 05:09
  • Purchases: 2
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YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. -- Across the nation there are an estimated 750-thousand gang members. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Som...

  • Added: Apr 18, 2011
  • Length: 04:46
Caption: Community activist "Maria" hands out flyers door-to-door in Outlook, Wash., Credit: By Anna King.
OUTLOOK, Wash. – Outlook, Washington is a tiny unincorporated township near Yakima. It’s mostly known for the massive dairies that flank it. But no...

  • Added: Apr 18, 2011
  • Length: 05:13
Caption: Gang graffiti is abundant at a boat ramp in the Potholes Reservoir area of Grant County, Washington, Credit: By Austin Jenkins.
Gang violence is mostly a big city problem. But in parts of the rural Northwest, police are grappling with gang rivalries, graffiti and even drive-...

Bought by New Hampshire Public Radio


  • Added: Apr 18, 2011
  • Length: 05:05
  • Purchases: 1