The Baltimore Police Department on Monday said that it had received a “credible threat” that gangs are teaming up to “take out” officers.
It did not say where the information came from, nor did it say whether the threat was tied to the recent death of Freddie Gray. Gray died in police custody under circumstances that remain unclear.
His death has sparked ongoing protests in Baltimore and raised long-simmering tensions between police and residents there.
“The Baltimore Police Department/ Criminal Intelligence Unit has received credible information that members of various gangs including the Black Guerilla Family, Bloods, and Crips have entered into a partnership to “take out” law enforcement officers,” read a Monday news release from police.
“This is a credible threat. Law enforcement agencies should take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of their officers,” it read.
With authorities on high alert, demonstrations resumed Monday afternoon. Police reported that people threw rocks and bricks at officers.
Over the weekend, a few protesters vandalized police cars, threw objects at officers, cursed at them and scuffled with them.
About a dozen young men smashed squad cars with garbage cans, climbed on top of them and stomped on them, CNN video showed.
Earlier Monday, hundreds attended Gray’s funeral. The 25-year-old was arrested on April 12, and died one week later after suffering a fatal spinal chord injury.
