U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler and representatives of Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana State Police, Carmel and Fishers Police Departments, and the FBI announced that an Eastside gang has been dismantled. Twenty members of the Block Burners were arrested by federal, state, and local law enforcement this morning (July 22). Over 525 agents, troopers, officers, and support personnel served warrants today in raids throughout the city. Twenty-two federal and state warrants at 32 different locations were issued; most locations were on the east side. The arrests were a culmination of almost a year of investigation into the gang and its activities. There were no injuries reported to either suspects or officers.
Warrants produced 21 firearms, and large amounts of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and prescription pain pills. Well over $53,000 in cash was also found. Officials stated that the defendants could spend decades in prison if convicted of all the crimes.
According to documents, the Block Burners gang was formed in Indianapolis around 2004 by former members of another street gang centralized at 42nd and Post Rd. The Block Burners are considered a violent gang with a defined leadership, with perhaps 90 members, who engaged in violence, drug activity, and unlawful possession of firearms. They operated primarily in the neighborhoods of the northeast side of Indianapolis. Last year, IMPD targeted the area near 38th-42nd and Post Rd. and five other high-crime areas as areas of interest.
Officials noted that the gang was “brazen,” posting pictures of themselves on social media with large sums of cash and illegal weapons. IMPD Police Chief Rick Hite noted that the Block Burners “acted like there were no consequences to their actions. They learned today there are consequences.”
W. Jay Abbot, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Indianapolis stated, “With today’s enforcement action, the leadership, hierarchy, members, and support network of this violent gang have been decimated. The citizens of Indianapolis can be assured the streets are safer and the FBI remains vigilant to combat violent crime wherever it may be.”
