COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than 100 people were arrested in the Columbus area as part of a multi-city operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service that totaled more than 800 arrests.
The 30-day initiative, called Operation North Star II (ONS II), resulted in the arrest of 833 fugitives, violent criminals, sex offenders and gang members in Albuquerque, N.M., Buffalo, N.Y., Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Jackson, Miss., Kansas City, Mo., Milwaukee, Oakland and Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Marshals Service said the operation was aimed at combating violent crime in 10 cities with a significant number of homicides and shootings.
ONS II focused on those wanted for the most serious, violent and harmful offense such as homicide, forcible sexual assault, robbery or aggravated assault.
“The U.S. Marshals Service remains steadfast in its commitment to assisting law enforcement and community leaders at all levels to combat violent crime.” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis. “The success of Operation North Star II is based on its laser focus on the most significant drivers of violence. We are confident that apprehending these offenders will bring a level of justice to their victims and contribute to the overall violence reduction efforts in each city and hopefully bring a level of justice to their victims.”
During the operation, the Columbus teams served 119 arrest warrants including 14 for homicide, 10 for sexual offenses, 10 for robbery, 20 for felonious assault and 14 for weapons offenses. The teams also seized 17 illegally possessed firearms and 1.3 kilograms of narcotics.
“This operation is an example of the positive impact we can make by sharing resources and working together. The U.S. Marshals in the Southern District of Ohio, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to collaborate with our public officials and community leaders to make our communities safer. The additional personnel and resources provided to our team from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were instrumental in the success of the operation.” - U.S. Marshal Michael D. Black (S/OH).