Gang roundup lands 12 of Rock Hill’s most violent in Jail

Twelve suspected gang members are now in custody in Rock Hill as local, state and federal law enforcement wrap up a four-months long investigation this week.

Led by the Rock Hill Police Violent Crime Unit, police fine-tuned their focus on two local gangs notorious for a series of violent crimes across city limits.

All twelve of the suspects range in age from 16 to 23 and are believed to be part of the 701 Fam and 901 KOB gangs.

“It’s been documented that they are members of a violent organized gang that has jeopardized the safety of Rock Hill’s citizens,” said Rock Hill Police Chief Chris Watts. “Our agency will not tolerate this type of activity and will continue to bring individuals to justice who commit these criminal acts. ”

Rock Hill police spokesman Mark Bollinger said a total of 11 cases dating back to October, 2013, have been cleared following this week’s arrests, dating back to the October 26 armed robbery of 11 students at Winthrop University outside their Ebenezer Avenue home.

Since the, investigators say the gang members led several drive-by shootings, solicited a minor for sex and stole high-value electronics from a store and school.

“Some of these people go to church, some have family who are good solid citizens in this community,” Bollinger said. “I don’t know what the attraction is to join these gangs. There’s something attracting them and I can’t explain it.”

Among those arrested:

• Robert Johnson, 18, of 1679 Mount Holly Road. Johnson is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Rashawn Sibley, 18, of 1020 Stonewall Avenue. Sibley is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Wali Rhinehart, 21, of 340 Whitner Street. Rhinehart is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Benjamin Shannon, 23, of 1019 Glenarden Drive. Shannon is a suspected member of 901 KOB.
• Marquelle Erby, 17, of 668 Lige Street. Erby is a suspected member of 901 KOB.
• Jalonnie Hames, 18, of 340 Workman Street. Hames is a suspected member of 901 KOB.
• Cierra Hope, 18, of 361 Workman Street. Hope is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Hakeem Caldwell, 17, of 808 Forest Ridge. Caldwe.. is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Delveon McCleod, 20, of 511 Cool Creek Drive. McCleod is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Antonio Wylie, 20, of 315 Flint Hill Road. Wylie is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.
• Dimitri Oden, 18, of 1846 King Drive. Oden  is a suspected member of the 715 Fam.