Suspected Gang Member Arrested In Drug, Weapons Raid At Hempstead Home

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The streets of one Long Island community have been made safer following the arrest of a suspected gang member.

Nassau County police raided 17 Jefferson Pl. in Hempstead Thursday evening and arrested 34-year-old Ronald Bishop.

Police said tips from the community led them to Bishop, a suspected street gang member and alleged drug and gun runner, WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported.

"Detectives recovered a total of 10 weapons, two of which were reported stolen," said Inspector Keechant Sewell.

Authorities believe Bishop was using those weapons to either sell or use for personal reasons.

Police also recovered 57 ecstasy pills, crack cocaine, and all kinds of drug paraphernalia from Bishops's home during the raid.

Bishop is no stranger to the criminal justice system either, 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported.

"He has an extensive criminal history over the past 14 years, including weapons possession and attempted murder," Sewell said.

Sewell called the arrest significant.

"We believe removing him from that environment makes the community safer immediately," Sewell said.

Bishop is charged with 12 counts of criminal possession of weapon, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a dangerous weapon. He was expected to be arraigned sometime on Friday.