Gang Initiation: Gas Station Assault (Pontiac, MI)

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/17527588/detail.html

WDIV-TV [Detroit]
22 September 2008

Pontiac Gas Station Text Threat Circulating
Validity Of Attacks Unclear

PONTIAC, Mich. -- Pontiac police are looking for answers to numerous residents' concerns about a gang initiation that was threatened via text messages on Friday.

Police sent out a release to news agencies confirming they had received numerous calls from residents who were concerned about text messages and e-mails about a local gang initiation during which members would physically assault a random female while she was pumping gas.

The messages did not state which gas station the attack would occur at but indicated that the attack would happen between 6 and 8 p.m., police said. [...]

http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/10/rumor_of_gang_targeting_women.html

The Flint Journal [MI]
1 October 2008

Internet hoax about gang targeting women at Genesee County gas stations sparking panic

by The Flint Journal

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- An apparent Internet hoax is causing hysteria as rumors spread through text messages, e-mails and word-of-mouth about a supposed gang initiation involving shooting women in the head at gas stations.

State police said they have been flooded with calls about rumors that a woman had been shot. The rumors remain unsubstantiated, although panicked residents flooded police with telephone calls, parents pulled students out of school and at least one school district went into lockdown. [...]