CLEVELAND — The second phase of a nationwide operation resulted in the arrest of 145 fugitives and violent criminals in the Northern District of Ohio.
The U.S. Marshals Services says the arrests were part of Operation North Star, which was a 30-day initiative focusing on the country’s most violent offenders. It brought a total of 830 total arrests nationally with a focus on the following locations:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Buffalo, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Columbus, Ohio
- Detroit, Michigan
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Oakland, California
- Puerto Rico
“Fugitive investigations happened across the city of Cleveland and even reached as far as southern California, where a Cleveland shooting suspect was arrested during the operation,” authorities announced Tuesday. “Operation North Star focused on those fugitives who were wanted for the most serious, violent and harmful offenses such as homicide, forcible sexual assault, robbery and aggravated assault.”
In Northern Ohio, some of those arrested include 59 for assault, 20 for robbery, 17 for sex offenses and 14 for homicide. Officials say there were also 188 warrants closed due to the arrests.
“Due to the focused efforts and the partnerships during this time, officers were able to take three times the number of violent fugitives off the streets compared to this time last year,” authorities said.
Multiple agencies assisted with the operation, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office and Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County.
“The safety of our residents is our number one priority," said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. "Operations like this are a great example of how we can leverage our partnerships and work collaboratively for a safer city. We are grateful for the hard work of everyone involved in this effort.”
While Operation North Star was underway, the Northern District of Ohio opened a hotline to Fugitive Safe Surrender in Cuyahoga County. The hotline will remain open through February for those with active felony warrants in Cuyahoga County who want to make arrangements to peacefully surrender and deal with their outstanding warrant.
Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Jan. 19, 2023.