Over a 74 day period, the United States Marshal Service arrested more than 3,400 violent fugitives nationwide through a special operation.
In the East St. Louis area alone, Operation North Star led to the capture of 602 fugitives, including 34 for homicide, 34 for forcible sexual assault, 29 for robbery, 119 for aggravated assault and 177 for firearm violations, according to Jeremy Wyatt, chief deputy U. S. Marshal.
In addition, local investigators seized 172 firearms, more than $258,000 in U.S. currency, seven vehicles and 53 kilograms of illegal narcotics, he said.
One significant arrest from the St. Louis area was Vito Crowder who was arrested on Aug. 29 in St. Louis.
Crowder, who was arrested by U.S. Marshal personnel from the Southern District of Illinois, was wanted on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 13-year old girl in Alton. He was also wanted for aggravated battery with a firearm.
Crowder was located by the Marshals in a residence in St. Louis and arrested without incident, a press release from the U. S, Marshal’s Service said. Investigators believe a firearm that was recovered from the home during a police sweep, could have been used in the shooting that resulted in the girl’s death, the release stated.
The special operation was conducted from May 10 to September 13 and targeted fugitives and violent offenders in 10 metropolitan areas, prioritizing those who used firearms while committing crimes.
“This operation represented an intensive effort by the Deputy U.S.Marshals and Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force Officers in the apprehension of the most violent offenders in the Illinois area,” said David Davis, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. “We understand that reinforcing trust and forming partnerships with communities is critical now more than ever to combat crime.
“When communities cooperate with law enforcement crime is prevented and perpetrators are held accountable.”
Besides St. Louis and East St. Louis, the other areas targeted were: Dallas, Texas; North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix, Arizona; Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San, Antonio, Texas.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a written statement in regard to the arrests.
“Operation North Star reflects a department-wide approach, working with law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the greatest violence,” he said in the statement. “I am grateful to the U.S. Marshal Service and the many federal, state and local task force partners who carried out the operation, and who continue to work to keep the American people safe every day.”
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