Niagara Falls, New York Men accused of threatening to kill cops

Man accused of threatening to kill cops
Updated: Monday, 29 Nov 2010, 6:01 PM EST
Published : Monday, 29 Nov 2010, 6:01 PM EST

Luke Moretti
Posted by: Eli George
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - A suspected gang member is accused of targeting a pair of police officers in Niagara Falls.

Authorities believe the suspect belongs to one of the most violent street gangs in this country. What began as a drug investigation intensified after police say they developed information that threats were being made against two officers. Niagara Falls police say the two men are members of the "Crips," a Los Angeles-based street gang. They were arrested last week in the city's Unity Park neighborhood.

Det. Steve Reed of the Niagara Falls Police said, "Our sources on the street have told us that he was making threats to law enforcement that we were interfering with his drug distribution."

Police point to one man, Alton Hilson, as the main target of their investigation.

"I just know that he indicated that he would pay somebody if they harmed the police officers," said Det. Reed.

Both Hilson and Mark Douglas were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana after police raided a residence on 9th Street.

Det. Reed said, "We recovered a pound of marijuana, and a little over $4,000 in cash and some pills."

News of drug arrests isn't that unusual, but threats against police officers is and is raising eyebrows at city hall.

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said, "We don't intend to allow our officers to be threatened without there being consequences for the people making the threats."

In the end, Falls Police say they were worried about an escalation of violence, possibly targeting their own officers. The idea of someone placing a bounty on two officers, Lt. Kelly Rizzo says, requires immediate attention.

"They're being overt about it. They're not threatening you to your face where they're just trying to get a rise out of you. They're actually, seriously contemplating trying to find a way to hamper your efforts in investigating their criminal activity," said Lt. Rizzo.

Mayor Dyster said, "The gang that rules the streets of Niagara Falls is the Niagara Falls Police Department. Not the "Bloods." Not the "Crips.""

Police say they didn't file charges regarding the alleged threats because it would've required more time to build a case and they wanted to move quickly on the alleged drug operation.

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News & Politics

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[Alanglois6]

This guys voice is so annoying FTP

[SaveTheWheat]

Police are psycho pigs. The end.

[SantiGold814]

They sure got that right at 1:49. NF NY is more corrupt than Youngstown, Detroit, and NYC put together.

[Bountykilla82]

Money walks Bitches talk I E Wilson and Douglas