Lyndonville gangs causing trouble

Lyndonville is far from urban, but that hasn't stopped a gang from forming in the area.

Lyndon Police Chief Jack Harris said the gang is mostly made up of 12 to 14 year-olds around the Lyndon area, and they dubbed themselves "Death Row 35."

The gang was first recognized when a father reported his daughter was initiated into the gang approximately a year ago, but lately, the gang has drawn more concern.

Harris says that while many of the members are youths, "this is not kid stuff."

The walking bridge that connects sports fields to the Lyndon community has be the primary sight of a lot of the gang's violence. This is where police have recovered evidence of the gang's activity with objects such as bats, clubs, and sticks that were under the bridge.

Many people are now avoiding using the bridge altogether, and the students are being encouraged to take a different route as well, according to Harris.

"It's a lot of harassment and intimidation," Harris said.

The gang has also taken advantage of houses without alarm systems by breaking in and stealing things.

Cindy Karasinski, a librarian at the town library, was slapped by one of the gang's members while trying to break up a fight in front of the building. She is not only concerned for the people that the gang is terrorizing, but for the young gang members themselves.

"They're young kids and they need nurturing and care," Karasinski said.

A meeting was recently held at the Town School so that residents could voice their concerns about the matter, and everyone could brainstorm solutions.

"People are scared to go across the footbridge," said resident Leo Cotnoir at the meeting, "and people are scared to even walk out of their own houses just to go to the store."

"We're going to attempt to address it," said Harris at the meeting, "between a neighborhood watch program and community justice program."

Lyndon Institute is also trying to help with these issues. The school increased its security force and some of the faculty is wearing plain or casual clothes in attempt to not stick out as an authoritative figure.