Latin Kings bust prompts power struggle

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - A massive bust that put 29 alleged Latin Kings gang members behind bars and left two more eluding authorities may lead to an increase in violence in Holland as other gang members fight for dominance.

Though the Tiny Rascal Gang, a rival of the Latin Kings, is known for tight-lipped members, one spoke to 24 Hour News 8 about what he thinks will happen next.

"The high-ranking members, that they got that was a little surprising and then just to hear about the charges," said the member of Tiny Rascal Gang or TRG, who asked not to be identified.

He said people in the streets are nervous right now.

"I haven't really heard if anyone is going to step up or take over, you know, how things are really going to be," he said. "I think actually people are more cautious now with things that they do and how they do their business."

Holland Department of Public Safety Capt. Jack Dykstra said there is a void in the Latin Kings organization now and someone will step in to fill it. He said there could be more violence.

Dykstra and his community officers are working hard to continue suppressing gangs where the East Side Latin Kings typically operate.

Police have yet to see a rise in violence, but if they do, they predict it will be gang-on-gang.

Since the arrest of the 29 alleged Latin Kings Tuesday and Wednesday -- all of whom are named in a 31-person federal indictment -- Holland has seen more Latin Kings graffiti and members popping up.  

"A gang member you typically wouldn't see on this side of town, you start to see him around here more," said community Officer Ed Streng.

"I don't think the gangs will just disappear," said the TRG member.

The gang member who spoke with 24 Hour News 8 is 20 years old and already has two felony convictions. He said with his background he is unable to find work, so he feels being in the gang is his only option. And, he said, many others in gangs are in the same situation.