5 alleged gang members arrested at WHHS

OAKWOOD - Five alleged gang members were arrested at West Hall High School Monday after a birthday celebration for one of them got out of hand.

Lt. Scott Ware of the Gainesville-Hall County Gang Task Force says Nixon Cruz, 17, Gainesville and Jonathon Rodriguez, 18, Gainesville and three juveniles starting horsing around with the victim, who was celebrating a birthday.

"What started out as some horse play in the locker room involving the five gang members - they attempted to hit on him a number of times, one hit...for each year of age that he was," Lt. Ware said.

Ware says the victim was not seriously injured. Each of the suspects is charged with battery and violating the street gang and terrorism act.

The two adults are also being held for immigration authorities because, according to Ware, they are illegal immigrants.

School officials said the five students have been suspended, pending a tribunal hearing.