A weeklong fugitive roundup in Conroe dubbed Operation Heatwave led to 71 arrests and 91 felony warrants cleared, authorities announced Tuesday. The effort, spearheaded by U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement, targeted offenders across Texas and even out of state.
In early August, authorities announced the arrest of over 70 fugitives during Operation Heatwave, a weeklong initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Marshals Service in collaboration with Conroe police. The operation led to 71 arrests, the clearing of 91 felony warrants, and the tracking of several suspects to locations as distant as Georgia.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz stated during a press conference revealing the findings. Buckholtz, who took on the role of chief in February, announced the initiative following the discovery of a considerable backlog of unserved warrants in the city. “That figure was not something I could agree to, so we are adopting a highly proactive strategy.” “The rate of resolution was not at the level we aspire to for our community,” he stated.
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, who assumed his role in January, expressed comparable worries. Upon taking on his responsibilities, he noted that there were approximately 2,700 outstanding felony warrants throughout the county. “The presence of 2,700 unserved felony warrants is alarming,” Doolittle remarked. “I would express that any number of outstanding warrants that present a risk to the county is a matter of concern for me.”
Almost 50 officers from the Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were sworn in by the U.S. Marshals Service to take part in the operation. The operation included collaboration with the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force, alongside numerous local, state, and federal agencies.
Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon highlighted the extensive collaboration that led to the arrests. “When I assert that we possess the determination at the district attorney’s office, and we highlight the resources available in the state of Texas along with our partners, we stand by our words,” Ligon stated.
Officials reported that the apprehensions encompassed individuals sought for various offenses, including drug possession, domestic violence, child exploitation, and assault.
Chief Buckholtz stated that this operation marks the initial phase of a larger initiative. Conroe police have established a specialized unit focused on reducing crime by targeting fugitives and enhancing the efficiency of the warrant process. “Our efforts to track down these fugitives will persist, ensuring they face justice and allowing the victims to have their moment in the courtroom,” he stated.
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