In a sweeping collaborative operation, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have apprehended more than 260 violent criminals in New Jersey, according to official reports. The extensive operation, which was executed over a time frame of approximately one month, was primarily concentrated in places notorious for their high felony crime rate. The effort, codenamed ‘Operation Apex Hammer’, primarily zeroed in on Camden and Newark, two major hotspots for felony crime.
The individuals targeted for apprehension were most often those bearing heinous charges such as murder, armed theft, assault, arms trading, and sexually related crimes against children. The operation also had a strong focus on arresting individuals with outstanding felony warrants residing in these regions.
The public-law enforcement coordination came under the command of the U.S Marshal’s Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. This team was responsible for the considerable successful arrests, including 17 suspects wanted for murder and 95 gang affiliates, which signified a substantial achievement.
Alongside the arrest operation, the task force also took control of 14 unlicensed firearms. These measures were concerted efforts to eradicate violent crimes and any associated tools.
Out of the total arrested, a surprising number, 31, were apprehended outside the state, with two being brought in from foreign locations. It indicates that the influence of the operation wasn’t limited to New Jersey but expanded to other geographical boundaries as well.
The arrest of over 260 fugitives implicates these individuals have been cumulatively arrested for a whopping 2,625 instances previously. This striking statistic underscores not only the success of ‘Operation Apex Hammer’ but also the retrospective criminal influence these arrested individuals have had.
The operation brought about some notably significant captures, among which included Lorenzo Benitez, a 54-year-old unlawful immigrant from Guatemala. Amid numerous counts of sexual assault to his name, Benitez was apprehended in Plainfield on June 4th.
Another significant arrest was of Darlin Franco-Guzman, a 25-year-old unlawful immigrant from Honduras, apprehended in Trenton on June 10th. He was associated with burglary as well as charges of attempted sexual assault on a minor girl.
Stephen Bullock, a 32-year-old who was sought after for the heinous crime of kidnapping and sexually mistreating a 76-year-old woman was also apprehended. Bullock was arrested on June 13th in Hi-Nella.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of Shawn Davis on June 13th in Brooklyn. Davis, aged 38, has been wanted in relation to a homicide that happened in Trenton.
Amongst the captured was Luis Duval-Jimenez, suspected of attempted murder. After being accused of running over a South Brunswick police officer with his vehicle in May, Duval-Jimenez was arrested on June 18th in North Arlington.
Trasuf Bennett, aged 20, along with a minor accomplice, were arrested for the drive-by shooting death of a 20-year-old man in Millville. These two were apprehended on June 19th in Trenton.
Another major catch was Francisco Ruiz. The 67-year-old male was wanted for charges of sexual assault by contact, making terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal restraint. Ruiz was arrested on June 20th in Bayonne.
Operation Apex Hammer has delivered a strong warning to those who jeopardize the safety of our society. The U.S. Marshals, along with the associated agencies, are unceasing in their mission to pursue criminals and deliver justice. Comprising multiple law enforcement agencies, including New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Corrections, and several other local authorities, the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force remains adamant about the protection of their communities. As we rejoice over the operation’s success, we should remember that all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty before the law.
The post Operation Apex Hammer: Over 260 Criminals Arrested in New Jersey appeared first on Real News Now.
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