Mattawa is just a small agricultural community in Grant county. But gang violence has increased sharply in recent years, beginning with a triple homicide two years ago.

Mattawa Police Chief Steve Jensen says the community lacks money for a youth center or after school programs that might help keep kids from joining gangs.

Homes and buildings peppered with bullet holes are becoming frighteningly common; police have even begun taping over the holes so they can keep track of the most recent.

In Mattawa, almost everyone, including gang members, live within 1/2 mile of the school. It may only be matter of time before a child is struck in the crossfire.

This gang member was willing to speak with us, but asked that we keep his identity a secret. He says guns are easy to get if you know where to go.

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Kelvin Crenshaw holds a confiscated TEC-9 semi-automatic. It is popular among gangs because of its large ammo capacity and menacing appearance.

Law enforcement agents say gang members are armed with every type of firearm imaginable, from handguns to shotguns to assault rifles.

Sergeant Dave Cortez (Yakima Police Dept.) oversees the program, GREAT: Gang Resistance, Education & Training. He says gang issues must be addressed in homes and schools.

Police in Yakima confiscate a handgun from a suspected gang member. Officers readily admit they are outmanned and outgunned on the streets.

A small shrine for 20-year-old Leonardo Perez, father of two, who was shot and killed by a member of his own gang during a fight, just blocks from an elementary school.