AKRON, Ohio — In an attempt to “help combat gun violence and disrupt gang activity in the city of Akron,” authorities say 135 violent fugitives have been arrested with 22 firearms taken off the streets.
The arrests come as the U.S. Marshals Service announced details of a 30-day initiative known as “Operation Triple Beam,” which was a collaborative law enforcement effort in Summit County designed to focus on areas of high gun violence and gang activity.
“Task force members focused on taking violent fugitives and gang members off the streets with an emphasis on violent crime, habitual offenders and gun and drug seizures,” according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals and Akron Police Department.
Authorities also highlight a “notable arrest,” which happened on Nov. 7 as members of the task force took Chevron Mapp into custody.
“Mapp was wanted by the Akron Police Department for robbery, which during the robbery he assaulted a pregnant female before fleeing the scene,” authorities said. “Additionally, Mapp was under parole supervision and released only a year ago after serving 10 years for his participation in a violent aggravated robbery in the city of Akron in 2012.”
REACTION TO THE OPERATION
Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett
“The Akron Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service joined efforts in this initiative to make Akron and Summit County a safer place for our residents. We will continue to work diligently to control violent crime, specifically gun and gang related crime, in Akron. I hope our residents appreciate the level of commitment their officers have and how dedicated they are to keeping them safe.”
Pete Elliott, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio
“Operation Triple Beam in Akron has been a major success, with 135 violent fugitives safely taken into custody over a thirty-day period. I am proud of the hard work of our fugitive task force, the Akron Police and our other state and local law enforcement partners in the Akron area. Our unwavering partnership with the Akron Police Department proves that we are committed to ensuring the safety of the residents of Akron by taking violent fugitives off the street.”
Other agencies who worked to assist the operation included:
- Barberton Police Department
- Bath Township Police Department
- Copley Township Police Department
- Cuyahoga Falls Police Department
- Fairlawn Police Department
- Hudson Police Department
- Kent Police Department
- Medina County Sheriff’s Office
- New Franklin Police Department
- Norton Police Department
- Ohio Adult Parole Authority
- Portage County Sheriff’s Office
- Reminderville Police Department
- Tallmadge Police Department
- Twinsburg Police Department
- University of Akron Police Department
If you have information regarding the whereabouts of any wanted fugitives, you are encouraged to call 1-866-4-WANTED. Tipsters may remain anonymous and cash rewards may be available.
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