'Credible Threat' Warning Issued That Gangs Might Target Chelmsford Police and Others Across the Country

The Baltimore Police Department has issue a national alert warning law enforcement agencies across the country, including Massachusetts about a credible threat that gang members may be organizing to “take out” police officers.

The threat notification was issued earlier this morning and sent to the NLETS system. Police also requested media outlets share the information with the public.

The alert noted that the department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit had received “credible information that members of various gangs, including the Black Guerrilla Family, Bloods, and Crips, have entered into a partnership to ‘take-out’ law enforcement officers.”

The alert called the partnership “a credible threat” and advised that officers should take precautions to protect themselves.

Chelmsford Police Chief James M. Spinney said on Monday the department takes all threats against Law Enforcement very seriously.

“Unfortunately we are dealing with these types of issues on a more frequent basis,” he says. “At shift roll calls we discuss these threats and to be aware of surroundings while in the performance of patrol duties. We also talk about how important it is to stay professional and courteous while also being vigilant as possible with regards to officer safety issues.”

The unrest in Baltimore is due to the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old man who died in police custody on April 19, 2015, after a spinal injury, which prompted anti-police brutality demonstrations and clashes with police.