The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) on Friday announced that they have arrested 40 fugitives wanted for various violent offenses as part of a joint operation with the Lewiston and Biddeford Police Departments.
The arrests come as part a month-long initiative called “Operation Triple Beam,” a national operation led by the U.S. Marshals in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement focusing on areas impacted by violent crime.
During the operation, the USMS’ Maine Violent Offender Task Force, along with the Lewiston and Biddeford Police Departments, successfully apprehended a total of 40 fugitives with a connection to Maine.
The 40 fugitives were wanted for a variety of violent offenses, including drug offenses, sex offenses, human trafficking, weapons offenses and other violent crimes, according to the USMS.
“The United States Marshals Service is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to reduce violent crime in our communities. Today’s announcement is further proof of how impactful these partnerships are” said Kevin Neal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to stem the flow of violence in Maine, and beyond,” Neal said.
“We are appreciative of our relationships with our federal partners like the U.S. Marshals Service,” said Dave St. Pierre, Chief of Police for the Lewiston Police Department. “Their dedication, assistance, and support helps make the City of Lewiston a safer place”
Increased collaboration with the U.S. Marshals was one of the measures announced by Lewiston Police Chief St. Pierre at an August press conference as a response to a recent surge in gun violence in the city.
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Over the past nine months, Lewiston has seen more than 30 shots fired incidents, including an August shooting at a refugee group’s back-to-school event, and a July shooting that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old.
