Local fugitives arrested as part of sweep by US Marshals (PHOTOS)
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- The Justice Department says more than 8,000 violent fugitives were arrested across the United States during a six-week operation.
Some of the raids targeted local communities in Wilmington, Delaware, and Camden, New Jersey.
PHOTOS: Fugitive roundup by U.S. Marshals in Wilmington
Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and the U.S. Marshals Service announced the results Wednesday of an initiative known as Operation Violence Reduction 12.
Yates calls the effort "targeted and focused," and says it focused on a dozen communities that have high rates of violent crime.
Officials say the marshals targeted people with open warrants for violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault. Among those arrested were 559 fugitives wanted for homicide, 648 gang members and 946 sex offenders.
PHOTOS: Local suspects wanted by U.S. Marshals
In Delaware, U.S. Marshal Michael McGowan said his office and local authorities coordinated to arrest 54 "high-risk" offenders, including 26 arrests in Wilmington alone. That operation, conducted in early February, was conducted in coordination with the national effort. Another six arrests were made during the national effort.
In New Jersey, Deputy U.S. Marshal Michael Schroeder said 74 arrests were made, including three homicide suspects, three violent sex offenders, and seven documented gang members.
PHOTOS: Over 8,000 criminals captured by US Marshals in massive operation
