The Ash Street Shootout: Tacoma's Battle with Gang Violence

🔫The neighborhood of Ash Street in Tacoma, Washington, was known for its rampant gang activity in the 1980s.

🚓The police response to the gang activity was initially ineffective, leading residents to take matters into their own hands.

🍖An army ranger purchased a home on Ash Street and organized a barbecue to unite the neighbors against the gangsters.

🔥The gang members retaliated by attacking the ranger's home, leading to a 10-minute gunfight involving the ranger and his friends.

💪The incident drew national attention and resulted in increased police presence and crackdowns on gang activity.

Were there any casualties during the shootout?

—No one was reported injured or killed during the 10-minute gunfight.

Did the shootout lead to any changes in police policies?

—Yes, the incident prompted changes in police policies and practices, including increased police presence in the area.

What happened to the gang members involved in the shootout?

—In 2010, a major crackdown on the Hilltop Crips gang resulted in the arrest and charging of 32 members for various crimes.

Did the ranger involved in the shootout face any consequences?

—The ranger was never promoted and left the army in 1993, but he still owns the property on Ash Street.

What impact did the shootout have on the neighborhood?

—The incident drew attention to the issue of gang violence and led to increased efforts to combat it, ultimately improving the safety of the neighborhood.

00:00In 1989, the neighborhood of Ash Street in Tacoma, Washington, was plagued by gang activity.

03:35Residents, including an army ranger, organized a barbecue to unite the neighbors against the gangsters.

05:30The gang members attacked the ranger's home, leading to a 10-minute gunfight involving the ranger and his friends.

08:28No one was reported injured or killed during the shootout, and the incident prompted increased police presence and crackdowns on gang activity.

11:30The ranger was never promoted and left the army in 1993, but he still owns the property on Ash Street.