Hours before the Mineola Middle School dance was to begin, a rumor of a gang presence at the dance set off a frenzy of phone calls from concerned parents to both the Nassau County 3rd Precinct and the Mineola Middle School.

Fears of a gang presence in Mineola have been circulating for weeks as a result of a tragic murder where a young man, reportedly a member of the gang Salvadorians with Pride, was shot to death two weeks ago on Willis Avenue in Mineola.

Inspector Paul Tully, commander of the 3rd Precinct, said that the police were investigating many different leads including the possible involvement of M(ara) S(alvatruca) 13, a rival gang.

"Should the residents be alarmed that this is a random shooting? No," commented Tully, "I do not believe this to be a random incident."

Added POPs Officer for Mineola Harry Reddan, "I do not think people should be worried at all."

Tully said that to the best of his knowledge there are no gangs based in Mineola, but there has been a police detective assigned to monitor gang activities within the boundaries of the 3rd Precinct.

"On a regional basis there are gangs, but we have a good deal of intelligence about it," said Tully, "We are well aware of gang activity."

Tully, while trying to waylay unnecessary fears of residents, wants the people to maintain their awareness. If anything looks suspicious, call 911 said both Tully and Reddan. "It is very important that people talk," said Tully.

The police have taken measures to combat possible gang related activities including the monitoring and erasing of graffiti. The police will also become more visible in the village on bicycle patrols and foot patrols along Willis Avenue.

The police cannot arrest anyone for being a member of a gang, but will monitor the activity to make sure it does not become criminal. "We have been very successful in making a lot of arrests with illegal activities they are involved in," said Tully.

Furthermore, the police have been working with the District Attorney's office so that no plea bargains are offered to defendants if they are affiliated with gangs.

Both Tully and Reddan assure the people that they have nothing to fear, but emphasized the importance of community involvement and urge anyone who witnesses something suspicious to contact the authorities immediately.