Charleston County’s Operation North Star Yields Significant Arrests
In a major law enforcement sweep, Charleston County saw a hefty number of perpetrators taken off the streets as part of the latest phase of Operation North Star. Announced late Monday, the U.S. Marshals Service reported that 113 violent fugitives were arrested across the area, reflecting a focused effort to tackle serious crime.
The Operation’s Scope
Running for 74 days from May 10 until September 13, this operation concentrated on high-risk individuals involved in gun violence, with a total of 3,421 fugitives rounded up across ten major metropolitan areas. These arrests often included serious charges like homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm violations.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his appreciation for the hard work put forth by law enforcement during this substantial operation: “From May to September of this year, the U.S. Marshals Service worked with state and local law enforcement partners in 10 metropolitan areas to arrest more than 3,400 fugitives and violent offenders…” This coordinated effort not only targeted dangerous criminals but also led to the confiscation of firearms and significant amounts of illegal drugs.
Charleston’s Arrest Records
Within Charleston County, law enforcement’s efforts busted some notable offenders. The categories of those arrested include:
- 9 for homicide
- 11 for forcible sexual assault
- 8 for robbery
- 21 for aggravated assault
- 35 for firearms violations
Local investigators also seized 17 handguns, five rifles, two shotguns, two vehicles, and two kilograms of illegal narcotics during the operation. These numbers showcase the police’s commitment to making the streets of Charleston safer.
Efforts and Partnerships
The areas selected for this operation were thoroughly analyzed using detailed data from the National Crime Information Center, FBI Uniform Crime Report, and the Department of Justice. Other targeted metropolitan areas included Dallas, North Charleston, Little Rock, Phoenix, St. Louis, Birmingham, Dayton, Winston-Salem, and San Antonio. A significant arrest was that of Altonio Prioleau, who had outstanding murder charges against him. During his apprehension, law enforcement found two weapons, affirming their proactive approach to combating gun violence in the region.
Charleston’s Sheriff, Kristin Graziano, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in law enforcement: “No one can hide from justice…” The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure that violent offenders are apprehended promptly.
Continuing Progress
This operation marks the fourth phase of Operation North Star since its inception in July 2022, and it highlights how effective these initiatives can be. Across all phases, more than 10,000 wanted fugitives have been apprehended, including an alarming 1,142 charged with homicide. Furthermore, over 1,420 dangerous weapons linked to violent crime have been removed from circulation, emphasizing the dedication to community safety.
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker also commended the work done during Operation North Star, showcasing how partnerships between the U.S. Marshals and local departments contribute significantly to public safety: “The success of Operation North Star highlights just a fraction of the extraordinary work the marshals and our task force officers do every day…”
As Charleston County continues to prioritize community safety, the successful execution of such operations brings hope for a safer future. The streets of Charleston are a little safer today thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies committed to making a significant difference.
