In a nationwide sweep that spanned 74 days, the United States Marshals Service arrested over 3,400 violent fugitives, with more than 600 of those arrests occurring in the East St. Louis area alone as part of Operation North Star. The operation, which focused on capturing violent offenders, resulted in the arrest of 602 fugitives in East St. Louis, according to Jeremy Wyatt, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal.
Among those apprehended were individuals charged with serious crimes, including 34 wanted for homicide, 34 for forcible sexual assault, 29 for robbery, 119 for aggravated assault, and 177 for firearm violations. Authorities also seized 172 firearms, over $258,000 in cash, seven vehicles, and 53 kilograms of illegal drugs during the operation.
One notable arrest was that of Vito Crowder, who was captured on August 29 in St. Louis. Crowder was wanted for two counts of first-degree murder, including the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old girl in Alton, Illinois, as well as for aggravated battery with a firearm. He was located and arrested by U.S. Marshals without incident, and authorities believe a firearm recovered during the arrest may have been used in the fatal shooting.
Operation North Star, conducted from May 10 to September 13, specifically targeted violent offenders across 10 metropolitan areas, prioritizing those involved in crimes using firearms. The targeted cities included East St. Louis and St. Louis, as well as Dallas, Texas; North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix, Arizona; Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas.
David Davis, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating crime, stating, “When communities cooperate with law enforcement, crime is prevented, and perpetrators are held accountable.”
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the operation, saying in a written statement: “Operation North Star reflects a department-wide approach, working with law enforcement agencies and communities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the greatest violence. I am grateful to the U.S. Marshals Service and the many federal, state, and local task force partners who carried out the operation, and who continue to work to keep the American people safe every day.”
