Several local and federal law enforcement agencies made 54 arrests this week as part of an intensive crackdown on people with outstanding warrants.
The effort came because statistical analysts predicted an uptick in violent crime this week, based on shootings and in past years. Chief Fred Fletcher said there are several reasons why the violence might increase in mid-March, ranging from what is usually warmer weather to schools being out for spring break.
Among the agencies involved were Chattanooga police, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Red Bank police, East Ridge police and ATF. Fletcher said officers perform other mass warrant roundups in coming months.
Officers targeted what they described as "persistent offenders": people with records of multiple violent crimes.
At some of the homes, officers found marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy.
"We were able to make a significant impact, we hope," said Edwin McPherson, chief of Chattanooga police's investigations division.
Seventeen of those arrested are validated gang members and six individuals are facing federal charges.
A few significant arrests include:
- Jacob Coyne (Homicide and especially aggravated robbery)
- Troy Timmis (Felony drug possession, aggravated robbery x 2)
- Michael Strader (2nd degree attempted murder)
- Michael Gervais (rape of child, child neglect x 3)