US Marshals Arrest 3,421 Violent Fugitives in Nationwide Operation

Members of the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement take part in Operation North Star in Phoenix on July 16, 2024. DOJ Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Marshals Service successfully arrested 3,421 violent fugitives as part of the latest phase of Operation North Star, a national initiative that targets the most dangerous criminals in high-crime metropolitan areas.

Among the fugitives arrested, 216 were wanted for homicide, 803 for assault, and 482 for weapons offenses, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) Sept. 27 statement, which highlighted the key role played by the Marshals in partnering with local and state law enforcement during the 74-day operation from May 10 to Sept. 13.

“We first launched Operation North Star in 2022 to identify and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and violent offenders,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The latest phase of the operation led to the seizure of 534 firearms, more than $508,000 in cash, and more than 1,000 pounds of illegal narcotics. This included a significant amount of fentanyl—more than 138 pounds and more than 550,000 pills—a drug infamous for its deadly effects in communities.

The enforcement efforts that were part of Operation North Star in fiscal year 2024 concentrated on fugitives involved in homicides, sexual offenses, robberies, aggravated assaults, and firearms violations.

Key arrests included the apprehension of Hayden Bates-Vellmure and three other suspects in Fort Worth, Texas, who are accused of being involved in a drive-by shooting that injured multiple children.

In St. Louis, Missouri, Garron Stevenson, was wanted for unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree murder after he allegedly opened fire at a street racing event, injuring seven people and killing a 14-year-old.

Aaron Michael Jones was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for home invasion, domestic abuse battery, and child endangerment.

Michael Muldovan, who was arrested in Sterling, Virginia, was wanted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for first degree statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child.

“The success of this operation is the result of the outstanding combined efforts of our Deputies and Task Force Officers, along with strong collaboration with the community and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” U.S. Marshals Director Ronald Davis said.

“Over the past year, the Marshals Service conducted Operation North Star in 10 cities across the country experiencing high levels of gun violence.”

The 10 metropolitan areas chosen for the operation included Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Charleston and North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix; St. Louis (including East St. Louis, Illinois); Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas.