Arrests in crackdown on alleged Barrio Logan protection racket NBC 7 San Diego [Video]

Authorities arrested a half-dozen suspects Thursday in connection with an alleged 18-month series of gang-related offenses, including murder, allegedly committed as part of a protection racket that siphoned money from businesses in Barrio Logan.

The crimes — involving demands for money backed by threats of assault, burglary and vandalism — have “caused great fear” for storefront proprietors and their employees in the 1900 to 2200 blocks of Logan Avenue, according to a statement from the San Diego Police Department.

“During the investigation, gang detectives and San Diego County District Attorney gang prosecutors learned that, in addition to the extortion to the local businesses, there were also physical assaults to (visitors to) Chicano Park, drug violations and the illegal possession of weapons,” the statement asserted.

The alleged crimes, which led to 130 calls for police service, included 18 violent crimes — among them two homicides — as well as 11 burglaries with losses …