SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities made over 1000 arrests during a 60-day operation to reduce violent crime in the Wichita area, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The Wichita Police Department partnered with the Marshals Service for "Operation Triple Beam" a program in July and August that focused on bringing in people with warrants for violent crimes, like aggravated assault, homicide or drugs.
The effort resulted in 1,072 arrests, the seizure of 221 firearms, about 165 kilograms of narcotics (including marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin and fentanyl) and over $200,000, according to the Marshals Service. Among those arrested included 808 for felonies, 264 misdemeanors and 141 gang members.
The program is a national initiative developed by the Marshals Service to reduce gang violence by targeting and arresting violent fugitives, gang members and criminal offenders who have committed violent crimes such as homicide, shooting into dwellings, felony assault and sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms, illegal drug distribution, and robbery.
“In an attempt to meet the Department of Justice goals to reduce violent crime, Operation Triple Beam is designed to focus limited resources on violent, repeat offenders, and bring immediate relief to the citizens of Wichita,” said Ron Miller, U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas.
Partners in the operation also included the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, DEA, ATF, FBI, HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.