NEW YORK, NY September 21, 2007 —Police say they've shut down a well-armed street gang in Queens. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

REPORTER: Police say half of the 40 people arrested were members of the Far Rockaway Bloods. Police confiscated bullet proof vests, a shot gun and semi-automatic handguns. The subset allegedly pulled in $15,000 a week in drug sales over the past 3 years. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

BROWN: It is also a direct attack on the gang problem that we face across the city these days. Gangs that infiltrate the schools and corrupt our young people. Gangs that are responsible for a great deal of violence.

REPORTER: The ages of the suspects arrested ranged from 17-56 years old. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the Department estimates there are 16,000 gang members citywide. The Department has reported a 29% increase in gang related crimes this year over last. For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.