By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-921922.mp3
Dallas, TX – A Dallas ATF Agent is recovering after being shot during an early morning raid at the home of a suspected drug dealer in Southeast Dallas. KERA's BJ Austin says the "roundup" was part of "Operation Greedy Grove".
Operation Greedy Grove was a 12 to 18 month long local and federal investigation in Pleasant Grove and the Highland Hills neighborhood. It targeted suspected gang members and drug activity. Tom Crowley, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, says the agent was shot-at five times as he entered a house on Hannah Way.
Crowley: He was part of our special response team. We had three of them on the ground serving three different warrants. He was in full gear. He was struck by two of the bullets. We were able to get him to safety. Law enforcement at the scene did not return fire. We were able to talk the suspect out.
He is identified as Gary Montgomery, also known as G-Bone. A federal indictment identifies him as a member of the Highland Hills Posse street gang, and charges him with conspiracy to distribute drugs. He also faces charges of assault on a federal peace officer.
Dallas Deputy Police Chief Andy Accord says Operation Greedy Grove targeted mid-level drug traffickers.
Accord: The focus of the operation was to target those individuals who we believe are the leaders of that organization. And these people were suppliers to your normal, everyday drug houses, which are the ones that impact our neighborhoods.
12 people were arrested in the Dallas roundup. Deputy Chief Craig Miller says that's just "part" of the investigation into distribution of crack, cocaine, and ecstasy.
Miller: There are more cities than Dallas that were involved in the operation. There were surrounding cities in the metroplex. But these locations, we're not going to disclose at this time.
Chief Miller says the ATF agent remains in serious condition at Baylor.