World News for Students of English

02-05-2016 07:00

Nearly 700 federal agents descended on the Bronx, New York, in predawn raids that led to the arrest of 120 reputed rival gang members. It’s believed to be the largest gang takedown in New York City history.

Those arrested have been charged with murder, robbery, and drug dealing among other charges. They’re all members or associates of the Big Money Bosses and 2Fly gangs. Over the last 9 years, there’s been vicious competition between them, which has led to a number of victims, including 92-year-old Sadie Mitchell who was hit by a stray bullet at her home.

“Police!”

The gangs, whose average member is age 24, operated from playgrounds and abandoned houses in New York’s poorest borough, the Bronx. It’s hoped the arrests will make the city’s public housing projects safer for the roughly 400,000 that live there.

Difficult words: descend on (attack), predawn (before dawn – first appearance of light in the sky), raid (a rapid surprise attack), reputed (believed), associate (a partner in business), stray bullet (a bullet which doesn’t move where you want it), borough (one of five parts of New York City).

Source: www.ondemandnews.com