Police uncover gang while investigating teen shooting death

A six-month investigation by Kettering Police Department led to six people in a local “gang” being arrested in what Police Chief Chip Protsman said was a possible drug trafficking ring.

Protsman said, during a press conference Wednesday, that Miles Heizer — the driver of the suspect vehicle in the shooting death Fairmont High School student Ronnie Bowers — and five others were a part of a local group that called themselves the GLO gang.They were arrested March 10 on a variety of charges.

DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APPS FOR LATEST BREAKING NEWS

The group is comprised mainly of teenagers and young adults, according to Protsman. Citing the ongoing investigation, he would not say how many people police suspect are part of the gang. “Although they’re calling themselves a gang, there are only a few that we’ve had trouble with to this point,” Protsman said.

Heizer, 19, was one of four people taken into custody after Bowers was killed. Heizer was released without being charged. Protsman said Wednesday, charges for Heizer in the homicide are still being reviewed. He did not tie any of those arrested this month to Bowers’s death.

The GLO gang appeared on the city’s radar after the Sept 4. shooting death of Bowers, 16. The department wanted to look into anyone involved with the incident to try to find others related in criminal activity.

MORE: Kettering shooting suspect indicted in baseball bat attack

“This is a different way of doing investigations and this is the way Kettering police department will be conducting business from now on,” Protsman said. “We’re not only going to identify who those individuals are, we’re going to identify who associates with them—family and friends—and we’re going to determine if you’re involved in criminal activity as well.”

Anthony Clemmons and Carolyn Williams— alleged leaders of the group—were arrested after a search warrant served in Miamisburg produced drugs—including illegal prescription drugs and marijuana, at their home. Money, weapons and other evidence suggesting drug trafficking, were found during the search Protsman said.

Clemmons, 42, was arrested for felony drug possession. Williams, 38, was arrested for felony drug possession, permitting drug abuse and child endangerment. They were release on bail.

Heizer, who is awaiting sentencing for a 2016 baseball bat attack, also faces felonious assault charges stemming from a March 7 incident on Oakdale Avenue. Heizer allegedly attacked a male victim while he slept, then robbed him. Rondle Swango, 19, and Tyler Lehmkuhle, 18, was arrested in connection to the same robbery. Tessa Fuller, 19, was charged with obstructing justice in connection to the Oakdale robbery. All four are being held in the Montgomery County Jail pending a preliminary hearing Friday.

MORE : Autopsy completed for Kettering shot to death

Protsman said Kettering doesn’t have a gang problem. The group is not widespread, he said.

Cedarville University Associate Professor Patrick Oliver, said gangs in a city like Kettering is uncommon, but not unheard of.

“It depends on how prevalent gangs are in that community,” Oliver said. “You tend to see them more in major and mid-major cities across America. Of course not exclusively in those towns—you can have gangs in any community.”

Of the six people arrested in connection to the GLO gang, four were under the age of 20. Oliver, who is also a former Cleveland Chief of Police, said teens join gangs around age 15, which increases their chances of committing more serious crimes the older they get.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Tre Hogue on Twitter and Facebook

Data compiled by the department shows violent crimes in 2017 have decreased, while arrests are on the rise from the same time frame in 2016. This time last year, 171 violent offenses were committed with 42 arrests made. This year, 152 crimes were committed with 73 arrests.

“Kettering is as safe now as it was 10 years ago,” despite recent “high-profile” crimes, Protsman said.

Protsman urged parents who believe their kids may be involved in the GLO gang, or similar groups, to contact the police.

3 more stories related to Ronnie Bowers’ homicide

About the Author