Violent fugitives, guns taken off the streets in nationwide Operation North Star

A month-long operation has taken 1,500 violent fugitive off the streets of 10 of the nation's biggest cities, including right here in Los Angeles.

Operation North Star targeted cities with high rates of murder and shootings, taking 1,501 violent fugitives, sex offenders, and gang members off the streets of Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

"We wanted to make an impact in the community on crime and violent crime in particular," said US Marshal Dave Singer.

Across the nation, authorities say 230 of those arrested were wanted for homicide and 131 were wanted for sexual assault. The operation also seized 166 firearms, more than 33 kilograms of drugs, and $53,600 in cash.

Here in Los Angeles, the LAPD worked with U.S. Marshals to arrest 192 fugitives, gang members, sex offenders, and violent criminals. Law enforcement also seized 47 guns in L.A. — the most across the 10 cities. 

"These individuals pose a clear and present danger to the safety of Los Angeles, as well as the nine other cities that were chosen to be part of this North Star operation," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said. 

Moore added that the partnership with the federal government is also meant to reassure the community at a time when all law enforcement agencies have seen staffing shortages following the civil unrest of 2020 and the pandemic. 

"The critical arrests of these individuals are meant to bring some measure of comfort," said Moore. "Some measure of assurance to both victims, and their families, of violent crime."