Thousands of fugitives feel the heat as Operation North Star brings down the hammer

One of the most notable arrests was that of Richard Taplin.

UPDATED OCT 2, 2024

Officials emphasized that the operation was targetted at the "worst of the worst" offenders.

Phoenix, Arizona: The latest phase of Operation North Star saw a number of federal and local law enforcement agencies cracking down on some of the most dangerous criminals in the US. Operation North Star is a nationwide initiative that has resulted in the arrest of 301 fugitives, including five individuals suspected of murder.

One of the most notable arrests was that of Richard Taplin, who is accused of attempting to shoot someone but instead accidentally shooting his sister inside a home. Taplin was among the fugitives captured during the operation, which targeted violent offenders across multiple cities.

During the operation, law enforcement agencies seized 60 firearms and 234 kilograms of drugs. On a national scale, they confiscated 138 pounds of fentanyl, equating to more than half a million deadly pills. Officials emphasized that the operation was targetted at the "worst of the worst" offenders, including those wanted for murder, robbery, and sexual assault.

In some cases, the fugitives resisted arrest, leading to the use of force, though these instances remain under investigation. Authorities highlighted the violence often associated with apprehending such individuals, with some fugitives refusing to surrender willingly.

What is Operation North Star?

Operation North Star is a "high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative" led by the US Marshals Service (USMS). It targets violent criminals and fugitives across the United States, focusing on those wanted for serious offenses such as homicide, sexual offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearms violations. The operation also involves the seizure of firearms and narcotics, aiming to reduce violent crime in the targeted areas.

Launched in 2022, Operation North Star has been conducted in several phases, each covering different metropolitan areas. For example, in 2024, the operation arrested 3,421 violent fugitives during a phase that spanned from May to September, targeting 10 metropolitan areas. These areas were selected based on crime data from the National Crime Information Center and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.