A Bronx gang member nicknamed “Gotti” has been busted in a playground shooting that injured a 12-year-old boy, Manhattan federal prosecutors said Friday.
Castle Hill Crew member Nicholas “Gotti” Joseph and his associates allegedly got into a gunfight with a rival gang member April 28, 2017, in the Story Playground in The Bronx.
A stray bullet struck the 12-year-old boy as he played basketball with his friends around 5 p.m., according to NBC New York. The bullet ruptured his intestines and arteries, his mother told the news outlet.
“The Castle Hill gang was involved in drug dealing, firearms offenses, and conspiracy to murder,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter Fitzhugh in a statement.
“Their ruthlessness and blatant disregard for human life is further evidenced as Joseph is alleged to have opened fire on a rival gang member at a playground, only to have a child caught in the crossfire.”
The Castle Hill Crew, which operates in the Castle Hill Houses in Soundview, has terrorized the community with gun violence and the dealing of narcotics, authorities said.
Joseph was arrested Thursday and charged with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, firearm possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to the Manhattan federal indictment.
He is due to appear before US District Judge Kevin Castel on Friday afternoon.