Tender Dixon, an alleged ranking gang member, his 40-year-old uncle Juan Negron, and Dixon's girlfriend, Michelle Farlas, each face more than 15 years in prison if convicted.

Charges range from drug sales to criminal possession of a weapon.

At a press conference Thursday morning, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said the members sold $100,000 worth of heroin and cocaine at the Stapleton Houses. Since the investigation began in January, undercover officers say the group also sold them handguns.

“Although obviously we can't identify these officers by name, we want to recognize the tremendous risk that they took in the work that they did,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan applauded the arrests.

"Staten Island, if it were a city on its own of over a 100,000 people, it would the safest big city in America," said Donovan. "Well, today it is safer than it was yesterday because there are three less guns on the street and there are three less gun dealers on our streets of Staten Island."

Law enforcement officials say two of the three loaded firearms were purchased on Dreyer Avenue while the third exchange took place in Stapleton at the home of one of the suspects.

Those who live in the housing complex say gun violence is a persistent problem and that innocent residents are often caught in the crosshairs.

“The way some of these happen, you can be an innocent bystander and you can get shot,” said local Crystal McCall.

“I don't really be out at night that much and I try not to let my kids out at night that much because sometimes we hear shooting,” said local Sabrina Garner.

Reverend Dr. Tony Baker of St. Philip's Baptist Church, who recently organized a youth rally against gang violence, said a more proactive approach to gangs is needed, involving parents instead of police.

“If you see your child with an exotic car and doesn't have a job, something is not right there,” said Baker. “You've got to ask the question. And I think every parent has a right to say they will not allow guns in their homes.”

The Latin Kings is the third-largest gang in the city.

“We have a presence. We have a presence of every major gang that you would be aware of on Staten Island,” said Donovan.

Police continued Thursday night to search for two other suspects who they say were involved in the sales of the firearms. They also were trying to determine the source of the illegal guns.