Teen faces gang recruiting charge

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A 13-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday after police say he was using school hours to recruit members to his gang.

It happened at Franklin Township Middle School West, according to an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department report.

According to the police report, the boy tried to intimidate a classmate to join his gang called the King Squad, which is also part of a bigger gang called the Brick Squad. The victim stated the 13-year-old said he could give the boy protection if he agreed to wear red.

Investigators arrested the young recruiter at school, after a tip from the assistant principal.

Police say the gang is responsible for a slew of crimes across Indianapolis such as burglaries, thefts and car break-ins.

The 13-year-old suspect faced a judge Wednesday afternoon and came away facing three charges, his mother said, although she declined to elaborate. The judge ruled the boy would have to stay in custody until his next hearing, set for Nov. 14.