FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A new multi-agency effort to crack down on violent crime in St. Lucie County is already showing results after its first day.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that its investigators, along with the Fort Pierce Police Department, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, teamed up for “Operation Summer Heat,” targeting gang activity, illegal guns, and drug crimes.
Deputies said they made their first arrests during a traffic stop in Fort Pierce. Artevin Avonte Joseph, 20, was charged after deputies found about 85 grams of marijuana.
Jeremiah Jerome Joseph, 25, was arrested on weapons charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Investigators said the recovered Glock .45 handgun had an illegal “switch” that allows it to fire like a machine gun.
In another stop, Alphonzo Hurst, 26, of Port St. Lucie, was arrested on outstanding warrants for battery and trespassing.
Later in the day, detectives chased down a 16-year-old who ran while carrying a handgun. Deputies said the teen was taken into custody, and a .357 caliber firearm was recovered…