Vatos Locos
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| Founded | 1950's |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jesus Escobar Romero Jr. |
| Founding location | Guanajuato, Mexico |
| Territory | Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, Chicago |
| Membership | 10,000 - 30,000 |
| Criminal activities | Battery, racketeering, murder, extortion, drug trafficking . |
| Allies | People Nation Ñetas Bloods Vice Lords Norteños Latin Kings |
| Rivals | Black Disciples MS-13 18th Street gang Trinitarios Brown Pride |
Vatos Locos Y Vatas Locas (in English, Crazy Dudes and Crazy Girls ) is a street gang. Gangs using this name are active in several American states and in the European Union. While more traditionally considered to have originated in Guanajuato, Mexico, the two founding members originally concocted the Vatos Locos while dining at Shakey's Pizza in Santa Monica, California.[citation needed] Vatos Locos has continued to grow since then and have extended their presence to New York City and Western Europe. They represent their gang affiliation with red or black bandanas worn in the back right pocket of their pants. Their graffiti consists of "Vatos Locos," the Lowrider logo, or Lil Rob.[clarification needed] These images are also present in gang tattoos. Vatos Locos are mainly Mexicans or Chicanos. Their dress consists of green, red or black shirts and khaki pants or shorts, and jewellery of chains or crosses and mostly represent the colours of red, green, and black.
Their biggest rival are Spanish Gangster Disciples and they are often called Sur Ratas (South Rats) by VL members. Among their other rivals are Aryan Brotherhood, and Los Zetas. Their allies are People Nation, Sinaloa Cartel, Bloods, Norteños, Ñetas, Vice Lords, and Latin Kings.[citation needed]
Vatos Locos has established itself in Gran Canaria, the Netherlands and US states including California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and Indiana.[citation needed] They have shown a new[when?] presence in Ontario, Canada.[1][2]
The film Blood In Blood Out (1993) about the life of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca in 1972, was based on the experiences of gang members of Vatos Locos.[3]
The video game Call of Juarez: The Cartel features a fictional Vatos Locos gang.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "Yonkers cops hurt while arresting stab suspect". The Journal News. 16 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
Vivanco violently resisted arrest and was eventually handcuffed with the assistance of other officers, police said. He is a suspected member of the Vatos Locos gang.
- ^ "U.S. V. Hernandez-Mendez". Leagle.com. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
Officer Webster knew that the stabbing victim was a member of the Vatos Locos, a Latino gang. Additionally, witnesses told police that members of other Latino gangs, including the Little Vatos Locos ("LVL") and the Latin Locos, had been present at the altercation.
- ^ Blood in, Blood out at IMDb