Nearly 80 law enforcement officers and support staff from state, local and federal agencies joined forces this week for Operation Heatwave, an enforcement operation that served outstanding criminal warrants and conducted compliance checks on high risk and violent offenders on probation and parole in Scotland County.
The operation saw:
- 35 residences searched;
- 20 arrests;
- 13 probation absconders;
- 5 gang violations; and
- 5 firearms seized.
Participating agencies included North Carolina Department of Public Safety Community Corrections (Probation/Parole), State Highway Patrol, N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NC ISAAC), State Bureau of Investigation, Scotland County Sheriff’s Office, Laurinburg Police Department, Wagram Police Department, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The operation was supported by canines and handlers from NCDPS.
“Law enforcement agency partnerships are key to maintaining safe communities in Scotland County, as well as across the state,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “We appreciate the work that our partners do every day, and we thank them for their collaboration on this operation.”
Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams said, “What I’m most proud of is the way we all came together. Our profession takes commitment, and the numbers from the past few days speak to that.”
“ATF appreciates our strong working relationships with our law enforcement partners throughout the Carolinas,” said ATF Resident Agent in Charge Nathan Honaker. “We are committed to reducing violent crime and apprehending violent offenders. This collaborative effort showcases what law enforcement can accomplish when we work together.”
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