The C.H.A.R.G.E. Gang Task Force is investigating a gang recruitment related incident in Rockingham County.

Harrisonburg Police Department and Rockingham County Sheriff's Office Gang Task Force was contacted on Nov. 16 by a School Resource Officer about pre-teens recruiting other students for the Crips street gang.

The officer was also assisting with an investigation about an assault that took place at a Rockingham County middle school.

According to a release by the police department, three young gang members tried to recruit others by a “beat in.”

Police have charged a 12-year-old boy from Harrisonburg with gang participation, hazing and gang recruitment. Additional charges are pending for the pre-teen.

“Throughout this investigation the Gang Task Force has worked closely with and received a great deal of cooperation from the administration of the Rockingham County Public Schools,” said Lieutenant Kurt Boshart, Criminal Investigations Division Commander. “We, along with school administrators, put safety as a top priority for the students, faculty, and staff of all of our local schools.”

“I am thankful for the working relationships with our school resource officers, Gang Task Force, and school administration. Due to their concern and involvement we were able to quickly resolve this isolated incident without harming or endangering others in the school,” said Dr. Carol Fenn, Superintendent of Rockingham County Public Schools.

The Gang Task Force continues to follow-up on this incident to determine if anyone else was involved.

The C.H.A.R.G.E. Gang Task Force is comprised of officers with the Harrisonburg Police Department and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.