BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Friday provided an update alongside the U.S. Marshals Service on a large-scale, multi-agency law enforcement operation focused on apprehending violent fugitives and wanted gang members during the first two weeks of February, leading to dozens of arrests throughout the Baltimore area.

The governor also urged the Maryland General Assembly to pass his emergency crime bills, including tougher penalties for violent offenders and real transparency to track the sentences that are handed down by judges for violent crimes.

“The main focus of this aggressive, multi-agency sweep was to remove some of the most violent repeat felons from the streets of Baltimore City,” said Governor Hogan. “I want to thank all of the participating agencies at the federal, state, and local level for their hard work and dedication. This is yet another example of what we can accomplish when we work together and are laser-focused on addressing violent crime.”

“I want to thank all of the participating agencies at the federal, state, and local level for their hard work and dedication,” said Governor Hogan. “This is yet another example of what we can accomplish when we work together and are laser-focused on addressing violent crime.”

Operation Washout II resulted in a total of 104 fugitive arrests, including five suspects wanted for homicide, nine wanted for attempted homicide, 15 wanted for robbery, and 28 wanted for firearms-related offenses. Four known gang associates were among those arrested and three firearms were seized. More than 200 open warrants were closed during the operation.

Operation Washout II is a U.S. Marshals Service-led initiative that partners federal, state, and local law enforcement to focus on specific areas impacted by gang-related violence. The overall goal is to foster safer communities by prioritizing the most violent offenders and criminal organizations.

Two of the most notable apprehensions came on the last day of the operation. Task force members arrested Jaheim Battle, who was wanted for a parole violation out of Pennsylvania. Battle attempted to flee during the apprehension but was ultimately taken into custody. A firearm with a high-capacity magazine was recovered during the arrest. According to Baltimore Police Department detectives, Battle is suspected to be involved in additional violent criminal activity within the city. Also arrested was Davon Coleman, wanted for first-degree murder. Officers seized 25 vials of crack cocaine and other drugs during the search incident to his arrest.

“Our collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and participation in these joint operations reflect our commitment to apprehending the city’s most violent offenders and taking them off the streets,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison. “I applaud the exemplary work of the entire team and their proven ability to work together efficiently and effectively in order to bring peace and justice to the community.”

“This operation reflects a shared commitment to improving public safety,” said Johnny L. Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland. “Arresting these most violent fugitives has enhanced safety for the citizens of Baltimore City and surrounding areas. The United States Marshals Service stands committed to working with our allied law enforcement partners in combating violent crime.”

The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force is a congressionally-funded multi-agency task force whose mission is to focus resources and efforts on the reduction of violence within the National Capital Region. The organization seeks to accomplish its mission through the identification, investigation, and apprehension of fugitives wanted for egregious crimes against the community, while ensuring the application of equal justice, integrity, and service for all.

Participating agencies included: U.S. Marshals Service; Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office; Baltimore County Police Department; Maryland State Police; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Howard County Police; Maryland Transportation Authority Police; Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Annapolis Police Department.

Video’s from Friday’s press conference can be viewed below.