Crime Crackdown Gets Fugitives Off The Streets

More than 140 people are in custody after a multi-agency crackdown on violent crime in Savannah.

Savannah was among a dozen cities targeted.

144 arrested in multi-agency crime crackdown.

The U.S. Marshals service along with Savannah police, and the Chatham County Sheriff's Office arrested 144 suspects including 14 wanted for murder.

Savannah was among the government's so-called 12 "focus cities." It had 53 murders last year, the highest since 1991.

U.S. Attorney for the southern district of Georgia Edward Tarver said residents deserve to feel safe.

“People in Savannah should not be afraid to walk down the street in fear of being hit by a stray bullet," Tarver said. "Residents should be able to sit on their front porches without fear of gang violence."

Savannah Police Chief Joseph Lumpkin said the six-week enforcement effort was meant to get violent offenders off the streets.

“They go after the worst of the worst offenders," he informed, "People who are continuing to violate our citizens.”

The operation targeted fugitives who had three or more prior felony arrests for crimes such as murder, attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, abduction/kidnapping, weapon offenses, sexual assault, child molestation, and narcotics.  

Police say they also confiscated several weapons, thousands of dollars in cash, and drugs.