Mannion decides to declare war against street gangs after a drive by shooting kills an innocent pedestrian. Two Latino gangs (the ""Colombian Guardian Crew"" - C.G.C. - and ""Los Muertos"") - one Cuban and one Salvadorian - are in war with each other over territory limits and Mannion sends his best men to catch the main leader accused of killing the pedestrian: Carlos ""El Gato"" Cesar, one of the most dangerous gang members in the city. Meanwhile, Mannion has suspicions that the same man that reported a criminal fire is the one who started it; and Nick has to face his fears after being badly beaten up by a robber.

The gangster wars have crossed the limits, leaving a blood trail and innumerous victims. Mannion has Temple working undercovered trying to reach the big boss on the drug dealing schemes. But it's not such an easy road and Temple is forced to try some crack in order to prove he's not a cop. That brings back ghosts from his druggie past, which Temple may no be strong enough to fight again. Meanwhile, Mannion himself interferes with the gangsters, interrogating young 12 year-old Junior about homicides. Later, Parras and Brander are victims of an ambush and are kidnapped by the gangsters. Luckily the police force rescues them before anything happens. Mannion sees no way out but turning to Richard Gray for help. With him, he gets the gang leaders to settle a non-aggression deal. When everything seems to be going back to its places, Temple looks for drug dealers to buy some crack. Ella turns down Clive's proposal to move to Seattle with him, and he decides to stay and marry her. And Mannion

Mannion's determination to crack down on gangs puts Noland in the line of fire where he's shot and critically wounded.

Mannion investigates the murder of two young women, one of whom is identified as Debreno's sometime girlfriend, Maria.