APD: No reported gangs; recent shootings were drug-related
Published 1:38 am Wednesday, September 12, 2018
The Andalusia Police Department on Tuesday issued a press release assuring local residents that recent shootings are drug-related and not gang-related.
“Speculation of gang involvement in our area has been highly discussed by local citizens,” the release stated. “As of the most recent information received, the shootings have been related to drug activity and no organized gang activity has been reported. Individuals in our city that have been involved in any of the drug activity, shooting incidents, or violence let this be fair warning, ‘we will not stop working until you all are off of the streets and your criminal actions are prosecuted.’ ”
Drive-by shootings in which no one has been injured have been reported on Aug. 6 on Snead Street; August 11 on Oak Street; August 29 on Pugh Street; and September 6 on Little Street in Andalusia. One arrest has been made.
The APD’s Tuesday statement said the department continues to investigate the shootings.
“As the investigators continue to speak with witnesses, victims, and possible suspects we ask that the community remains supportive and assists and provide information to our department to assist with the arrests,” the statement said.
“Our Department and other local agencies are working together and have developed a strategic plan to work together against the drug activity in our city and throughout Covington County,” the statement said. “Officers continue to work assigned overtime and specific details to high crime, high drug reported areas. We will continue to monitor these areas with increased patrols. I rest assured that the cases made by Andalusia Police Department and any other agency involved will be fully prosecuted to the full extent of the law by our district attorney and his staff.”
Andalusia Police Department is staffed with 29 sworn officers and 12 civilian employees.