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ABINGDON, Va. – Following a four-year tradition of success in its national
efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service locally conducted another successful
Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) from June 1 –
9. Led by the U.S. Marshal, Operation FALCON 2008 netted 525 arrests within
the Western District of Virginia.
Operation FALCON – Abingdon combined the collective efforts of multiple law
enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives,
focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual
predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence. Over the course of
the seven-day operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals, teamed with federal, state,
and local law enforcement partners, arrested 48 fugitives, including seven
sex offenders, and cleared 61 warrants in the southwest Virginia area.
Joshua Spears was a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshals for violation of
supervised release. A team of Deputy U.S. Marshals, with fellow law
enforcement officers, arrested Spears June 5 in the Hilton’s Virginia area
following a three-hour stand-off where he claimed to be armed and attempted
to have law enforcement officers take his life. Spears eventually
surrendered, no firearm was discovered.
“From the outset, Operation FALCON has proved how much can be accomplished
when we combine resources at the federal, state and local levels,” said John
F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “This operation is not
possible without the unique talents and dedication that each participating
agency brings to the table.”
Operation FALCON – Abingdon consisted of approximately 52 federal, state,
and local law enforcement officers, making up six separate arrest teams
working throughout the seven-day period. Each participating local officer
was sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal immediately prior to the start
of this operation. This special authority empowered them to cross
traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted
fugitives throughout the week.
“The cooperation and enthusiasm of law enforcement agencies in the Western
District of Virginia has always been incredible,” said U.S. Marshal Wayne
Pike. “We are facing new challenges in law enforcement and must always adapt
to overcome sometimes overwhelming odds when faced with the criminal element
that places our communities in danger. With our law enforcement partners,
law enforcement at all levels is dedicated to a safer Virginia, nation and
world and it shows in this tremendous success.”
Agencies contributing to Operation FALCON-Abingdon were the Virginia State
Police, Russell Co. Sheriff’s Department, Washington Co. Sheriff’s
Department, Buchanan Co. Sheriff’s Department, Lee County Sheriff’s
Department, Carroll Co. Sheriff’s Department, Wythe Co. Sheriff’s
Department, Scott Co. Sheriff’s Department, Grayson Co. Sheriff’s
Department, U.S. Forrest Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S.
Secret Service, Virginia Department of Corrections, The National Park
Service, and the Virginia National Guard.
Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has made over 36,500 arrests
and cleared over 45,300 warrants. It continues to be the largest and most
successful fugitive apprehension effort in U.S. Marshals history.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service, visit
http://www.usmarshals.gov .
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