ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Albemarle County Police Department said on Thursday that the Charlottesville area has a gang problem.

"You have a choice to end this. There's only a matter of time before you or someone you love is shot and killed. So, let's end this cycle now," said Colonel Sean Reeves a press conference Thursday.

Investigators have identified more than 50 people in the Charlottesville area who belong to gangs.

"Have linked these crimes to several self-identifying gangs comprised largely of middle- and high-school-aged juveniles. Our efforts have led to the arrest of seven juveniles and three adults," said Captain Tavis Coffin.

The adults are identified as 19-year-old Meleak Domorion Clark, 18-year-old Devontae Markel Johnson and 19-year-old Jalonnie Antonio Hanson. They're all facing malicious wounding and gun charges.

Meanwhile, the juveniles, who are not being named because of their age, are charged with possession of automatic weapons, stolen firearms and stolen vehicles.

Investigators said the crimes have mostly been in neighborhoods between Barracks Road and Rio Road.

"We hear you and we share your concerns. Our police department will strive to ensure that those responsible for these crimes will be held accountable for their actions," Reeves said to the residents of those areas.

The Charlottesville Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, FBI and the ATF are all working with ACPD to investigate these crimes.

Police are asking anyone who may know something to come forward.

For more information on this investigation, click here.