More than 70 arrested in crackdown on gangs

Law-enforcement officials in Augusta have arrested more than 70 people in an operation aimed at reducing gang violence, according to a report.

Operation Chip Shot resulted in 50 arrests in Rich­mond County and 17 in South Carolina, Virginia and Mary­land, the Augusta Chronicle reported. Seven sex offenders also were arrested for violating probation.

Authorities identified possible suspects through investigations, by searching social media, and by focusing on areas with known gang problems, according to the report.