The U.S. Marshals Service and Phoenix Police Department arrested over 300 fugitives and rescued 49 missing children, many victims of trafficking, in a massive national crackdown on violent crime and gun violence.
Operation North Star involved multiple law enforcement agencies across 10 metropolitan areas, from Arizona to North Carolina, and targeted violent fugitives wanted for homicides, aggravated assaults, and sexual offenses.
“Operation North Star is a prime example of the ongoing collaboration and coordination used to locate and apprehend dangerous fugitives who prey on our communities,” said U.S. Marshal Van Bayless.
Marshals and police in Phoenix cleared 358 warrants in 65 days and seized 234 kilograms of narcotics — the equivalent weight of a grand piano.
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Operation North Star aimed to identify and apprehend the most violent offenders and fugitives wanted for serious crimes in major metropolitan areas while tackling the nation’s rising gun violence.