PHOENIX — For 65 days, Arizona law enforcement officials worked to arrest fugitives wanted in connection with crimes committed in and around Phoenix during Operation North Star, a national violent crime reduction effort. During the operation, 301 "targeted fugitives" were arrested and 358 active warrants were cleared.
United States Attorney General Merrick Garland and the United States Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis announced the national results of a violent crime reduction effort dubbed "Operation North Star" on Oct. 1.
"Criminal acts and its actors are not bound by the borders of a city, a valley, a state or our country," United States Acting Marshal for the District of Arizona Van Bayless said during a news conference. "...We are determined to never stop looking for those who do harm and hope to provide some measure of justice to victims."
On certain weeks between early May to early September of 2024, Marshals Service and law enforcement partners of the U.S. Marshals WANTED Task Force in Arizona completed the final phase of the national effort to reduce crime, a news release regarding Operation North Star said.
Of the 3,421 fugitives arrested throughout the country — individuals who are facing charges related to homicide, sexual offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearms violations — "hundreds" of fugitives were arrested in the Phoenix metro area, the news release stated.
Bayless said 60 firearms, more than 230 kilograms of illegal drugs, three vehicles and nearly $100,000 were seized during the operation in Phoenix as well.
"Removing dangerous individuals from our streets provides some protection for our communities," Bayless said at the news conference. "Removing illegal firearms used in the commission of crime adds another layer of protection. Removing monies used to further illegal acts and removing dangerous drugs like fentanyl saves lives."
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