Louisville police increase patrols in light of gang tensions

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Louisville Metro Police officers are increasing patrols after a dispute between two rival gangs has left several wounded and dead.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/2bKlPR8) a Louisville Metro Police Homicide supervisor recently set an email cautioning officers to “be mindful of retaliatory shootings” between the two gangs.

Police haven’t publicly named the gangs. However, the Courier-Journal reports that according to police reports, court records and interviews, two gangs – the E-Block and Victory Park Crops – have been feuding since early July.

The E-Block claims one neighborhood, east of Old Louisville in the Shelby Park and Smoketown areas. The Victory Park Crips claim the California neighborhood. Shootings have occurred in both neighborhoods.

Friday, extra officers will patrol the areas surrounding funerals of two people who were killed in suspected gang violence.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.