Threats Force Gang Fighter to Move Out of Community

For three years, Larry Croysdill has fought to get gangs out of his Hollywood neighborhood. This week a gang fought back, forcing Croysdill to move out of the community he loves because of a death threat.

“I’m devastated by this whole thing,” said Croysdill, who moved his wife and two young children out of his apartment late Thursday night after learning that he was the target of an assassination plot.

“I can’t believe my life is in jeopardy.”

Police confirmed Friday that Croysdill’s life was in danger, especially if he continued to stay in his two-bedroom apartment.

Sgt. Steve Richards said gang investigators learned from informants that Croysdill was the target of a “hit” put out by a local gang. “He had been singled out because of his community activism,” Richards said.

Croysdill, 47, said he has been active for the past several years in a local Community-Police Advisory Board, which has worked closely with police to crack down on crime in the neighborhood. The apartment manager said he frequently reported the gang’s drug activity to police.

Richards said police could not have provided 24-hour protection for Croysdill. “We considered him in danger and suggested that he move out,” he said.

Croysdill followed the advice, moving to a hotel from his apartment in such a rush that his family took only as many possessions out of the apartment as they could hold in their arms.

“They’ll kill me if I go back,” Croysdill said. “I’m trying to survive.”