LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — More than 100 violent criminals are off Las Vegas streets after a massive federal operation that resulted in 114 arrests locally and 8,000 arrests nationwide.
The FBI’s “Operation Summer Heat” was a three-month crackdown involving federal, state and local agencies working together. Among those arrested was a fugitive who shot at police with an AR-15.
“It was Director Patel’s initiative to focus on crushing violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto of the FBI Las Vegas Division.
Local results exceed national averages
The Las Vegas operation recovered 16 guns and resulted in 14 drug seizures. A joint team made the arrests possible, with the FBI working alongside Henderson Police, North Las Vegas Police, Metro and probation officers.
“I would say we are doing a better job than any other metropolitan area in the country,” Delzotto said when asked how Las Vegas numbers compared to other cities.
Some criminals arrested locally had committed crimes elsewhere before fleeing to Nevada.
“There was one individual in Washington state with a violent criminal history. We got the lead — I forget the county — the guy was shooting at deputy sheriffs with an AR-15 and he fled to Nevada. Our CAT team picked him up. So when we’re talking violent criminals, I’m talking very violent criminals,” Delzotto said.
Specialized equipment keeps officers safe
Agents sometimes use a device called a GrapplerThere are to take down fugitives while keeping everyone safe during arrests.
“You are dealing with violent criminals and you don’t want to put our law enforcement officers at risk. We also don’t want to put the public at risk,” Delzotto said.
The FBI Las Vegas Division bought the Grappler device, making it one of only two FBI offices in the nation that have the equipment. Metro Police also use the device.
Agency coordination prevents conflicts
Delzotto said agencies coordinate through a fusion center at LVMPD to avoid conflicts between investigations.
“So we have a fusion center right down the road at LVMPD. There are [representatives] from all agencies that sit there. That’s where all the info flows into for Las Vegas, and we deconflict on some cases,” Delzotto said. “Obviously, if it’s a federal investigation, we would handle that.”
Delzotto said crushing violent crime remains a priority all year long, indicating Director Kash Patel’s initiative would continue beyond the summer operation.
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