Officials: 8 arrested in South Philadelphia gang-related shootings

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - Authorities have announced the arrests of eight people as part of a gun violence task force operation targeting rival gangs in South Philadelphia.

Attorney Genearl Josh Shapiro, District Attorney Larry Krasner and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross announced the results of the operation at a press conference on Wednesday.

Wednesday's arrests stem from an investigation into "an explosion of shootings" between two rival groups in Grays Ferry, identified as 27th Street and 31st Street. Officials attribute 43 shootings between January 2017 and February 2018, which left 35 people injured and three others killed, to the two groups.

A grand jury recommended charges be brought against eight people in connection with two specific incidents: a homicide in the Grays Ferry on Dec. 19, 2017, and a retaliation shooting in the Allegheny West neighborhood of North Philadelphia on Dec. 27, 2017.

Arreted Wednesday in connection with a Dec. 19 murder were 22-year-old Khalid Harrison and 20-year-old Mujihad Deen. Four others were arrested in connection with the retaliation shooting in North Philadelphia on Dec. 27: 22-year-old Markesha Hines-Washington, 20-year-old Nasir Evans, 22-year-old Montez Burke, 21-year-old Alexis Hodge and 21-year-old Galvison Morris.

Also arrested Wednesday on charges unrelated to the aforementioned incidents was 21-year-old Nyseem Smith, who officials say is tied to the 31st Street gang.