Clinton Shawn Martin Jr., 24, of 31 E. Market St. in Harrisonburg, was arrested Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to trade drugs for guns in the Roses parking lot on Mason Street. He faces 46 charges, including drug distribution, firearms violations and gang participation."He is known as one of the leaders of the gang," said Lt. Kurt Boshart of the Harrisonburg Police Department during a press conference Wednesday. "Taking him off the streets is a major blow to drug activity."
Boshart declined to say what gang the suspects are alleged to be affiliated with.
So far, four people have been arrested in connection with the case and more arrests are pending, Boshart said.A search warrant was executed Tuesday on Martin's home but as of Wednesday afternoon the search warrant wasn't on file in the Rockingham County Circuit Court.Boshart said the CHARGE Gang Task Force began the investigation about two years ago after it received information that a gang member was selling large quantities of methamphetamine in Harrisonburg and surrounding areas.On Friday, the case escalated after police responded to a report of gunfire in the 1000 block of Meadowlark Drive around 1 p.m.No one was hit by the bullet, but Boshart said it is believed the shooting was in retaliation for another drug dealer's arrest two weeks earlier.On Wednesday, police charged Rafael Jimenez, 29, of Mount Solon, with eight felonies, including attempted first-degree murder. They say he was the one who pulled the trigger in the Meadowlark Drive incident.Police also charged Chet McDonaldson, 23, and Harmonie Alger, 27, both of East Washington Street. McDonaldson was charged with 10 drug-related felonies and Alger was charged with two.