Apr 7, 2014 1:45 PM by Faye DeHoff

273 fugitives in Arizona arrested in U.S. Marshals roundup

PHOENIX - A collaborative law enforcement effort timed to coincide with National Crime Victims' Rights Week resulted in the arrest of 273 fugitives in Maricopa and Pinal Counties from April 1-4.

During that period, the U.S. Marshals Service conducted "Operation Justice VI," a metro-wide fugitive round-up involving 28 law enforcement agencies from Maricopa and Pinal counties. The operation targeted over a thousand fugitives wanted for higher level felony crimes including robbery, rape, dangerous drugs, and assault.

"There is a disturbing trend in Arizona of the increased use of violence involving fugitives and career criminals. The recent tragic deaths and assaults on police officers is a testament to the desperation of fugitives on the run," said David P. Gonzales, U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona. "Last week's operation resulting in the arrest of 273 fugitives in Maricopa and Pinal Counties by over 150 federal, state, and local officers was designed to reduce the number of career criminals in our neighborhoods and thereby enhancing public safety. This collaborative law enforcement effort is also timed to honor the victims of crime. National Crime Victims' Rights Week is this week, a time to reach out and help crime victims rebuild their lives."

Among those taken into custody:
· Ronald Clark: arrested on charges of robbery, aggravated assault and burglary, stemming from a home invasion where Clark allegedly held a gun to the head of the victim's two-year-old child, demanding they give Clark access to their valuables.
· Richard Swenson: arrested for failing to appear in court on charges of dangerous drugs. Swenson was tracked to a residence containing three other wanted felons, who attempted to flee from officers. All were arrested.
· James Lane: wanted on charges of rape, kidnapping, and dangerous drugs. Additionally, he was sought for questioning in connection with a 1992 "cold case" rape occurring in Glendale, Arizona. Lane was arrested at his residence without incident.

The United States Marshals Service is the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency. Annually, U.S. Marshals arrest more than 50 percent of all federal fugitives and serve more federal warrants than all other federal agencies combined. For more information on USMS Fifteen Most Wanted fugitives and USMS Major Cases, go to www.usmarshals.gov.

http://www.kvoa.com/news/273-fugitiv...shals-roundup/