The Purple Gang had begun to increase their association with other more powerful gangs. Abe Bernstein had begun an association with Meyer Lansky forming business deals with gangs from New York. Their dealings with importation of illegal liquor also brought them into contact with the warring gangs of Chicago. They felt it in their best interests to make a choice of which of the rival gangs they would support. Impressed with the organizations of Capone and Moran they were being pressured by both crime lords to make a commitment of support. The decision was made when the Detroit Boys contacted Moran in relation to a supply of liquor and informed him that he should be present in his gang's garage in Chicago to await its delivery. The day chosen for the delivery was St, Valentine Day and Capone was tipped off as to the location of the delivery. Needless to say, Moran was not about to trust the Purple Gang in the future.
While this dealing with other gangs increased the power and reach of the Purple Gang they also were displaying the gold mine they controlled through distribution of illegal liquor. A large convention was to be held in Detroit and the competition to cash in on the profits caused problems for the Gang. Rival gangs hijacked and re-hijacked shipments of booze and violent feelings were on the rise. Gambling problems also arose and it became difficult to cover all the bets that had been made. Tempers began to reach an all time high and some outside gangs began to create unwanted competition with the Purple Gang. One of the rival gangs gained a poor reputation due to willingness to hijack from friends and foes alike. It was their constant steeping outside of their own territory and doublecrossing of business partners that would lead to a major confrontation. To keep up with the competition this new gang began to deal with the Purple Gang buying more and more booze on credit. After payment problems to the Purple Gang arose, it appeared to be time for some action to be taken.
The Purple Gang called for a conference to be held to iron out any remaining details. At the conference the rival gang members met and began to discuss business issues, but came to the realization that the bookkeeper was needed to answer some outstanding questions. Bernstein left the meeting saying he was going in search of the accountant, but instead went down the street to an automobile and when pulling it up outside of the meeting place sounded the horn. This was to serve as the signal for the Purple Gang members to spring into action. Guns were pulled out and The Purple Gang opened close-range fire on their rivals. One of the victims was able to survive and the police put out a call for all Purple Gang members to be rounded up. With the refusal of the survivor to finger the Purple Gang the police would have little to link them to the murder. The weapons had been cleared of fingerprints and alibis had been created for the shooters. Rival gangs did everything possible to take advantage of the adverse situation of the Purple Gang and even aided the police in their search. Within a short period of time the killers in the "Collingwood Massacre" were in police control. With little fear the killers had given up with little in the way of violence since they felt that once again they would be able to beat the rap in a court of law. They overlooked the influence rival gangs would use to make sure the Purple Gang would be removed as a power to deal with in Detroit.
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