2022 News Release

State Police and Partners Arrest 18 Fugitives, Including Individuals
Wanted for Violent Crimes in Essex County

Newark, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit coordinated a four-day cooperative mobile deployment that led to the arrest of 18 fugitives in Essex County, including seven documented street gang members. This deployment is part of a comprehensive initiative to reduce violent crime statewide.

Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Violent and Organized Crime Control North Bureau, K-9 North Unit, Real Time Crime Center North Unit, and Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory Unit, along with members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Operations Group, Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Essex County Sheriff's Office, and the Newark Police Department, targeted violent criminals who were located in, or near, the City of Newark. The targets for the operation were identified through various investigative means including street-level intelligence, patrol advisories, and information provided by the Real Time Crime Center North Unit, Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Essex County Sheriff's Office, and Newark Police Department Intelligence Units.

From Thursday, February 24, to Sunday, February 27, a total of 18 fugitives wanted by state, county, and local law enforcement agencies were apprehended at various locations in, and around, the City of Newark. Those arrested were wanted for crimes including murder, aggravated assault, aggravated manslaughter, armed robbery, aggravated sexual assault, terroristic threats, burglary, and weapons and drug offenses. All were lodged at Essex County Jail.

"Crime suppression efforts that locate and arrest dangerous recidivist offenders are a crucial way for law enforcement to disrupt criminal activities that compromise the safety of our communities," said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. "I commend the New Jersey State Police along with our federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners who conducted this collaborative initiative that undoubtedly helped reduce violent crime."

"These fugitive initiatives not only take dangerous offenders off the streets, but also helps us obtain valuable intelligence that may solve additional crimes and ultimately reduce violent crime in our communities," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "Our commitment to protecting all those in New Jersey does not end with these 18 arrests. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners across that state to target violent, recidivist offenders who attempt to evade justice."

The latest cooperative mobile deployment follows "Operation Summer in the City," a coordinated law enforcement effort conducted in recent years to reduce crime in cities across New Jersey, which has resulted in numerous arrests of violent, dangerous, and recidivist offenders. In 2018, a multi-city, multi-agency sweep resulted in the arrest of 166 dangerous fugitives, including 61 documented gang members, and law enforcement also seized guns, drugs, and money. In 2019, "Operation Summer in the City" netted 75 fugitives, including 26 gang members in Camden and Atlantic City. With the COVID-19 pandemic, operations required a shift in 2020, and a fugitive sweep was conducted in Atlantic County, which resulted in the arrests of 14 fugitives. In 2021, 57 fugitives were arrested as a result of three "Operation Summer in the City" sweeps led by the NJSP in Atlantic County, Trenton and Essex County.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

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