St. Paul Files Injunction To Restrict Gang Activity During Cinco De Mayo

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The City of St. Paul has filed an injunction to restrict the activities of the "Hit Squad" gang during Cinco de Mayo festivities.

According to court documents filed Tuesday, the city wants a temporary injunction within the city's District del Sol during the May 2 events to ban eight members of the Hit Squad from wearing gang clothing.

The injunction mentions a fight that broke out during last year's Cinco de Mayo celebration between the westside-based Hit Squad and the eastside-based Ham Crazy gang near a playground and a family softball tournament.

Eight gang members were convicted of rioting following that brawl, three of whom were in Hit Squad.

A hearing for the city's request will be held Friday morning by Judge Awsumb.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that the city has already sued other gangs in 2009, reflecting a change in state law allowing courts to declare street gangs a public nuisance.