TEXAS — A coordinated law enforcement operation targeting violent crime resulted in 40 arrests in Howard County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS said the two-day “Targeted Violent Crime Operation” was carried out April 17 and 18 with assistance from multiple local, state and federal agencies.
Participating agencies included DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Highway Patrol, the Big Spring Police Department, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to DPS, the operation focused on a proactive strategy aimed at disrupting criminal activity in high-crime areas and targeting individuals considered violent offenders. Authorities said special emphasis was placed on removing firearms from people prohibited from possessing them, including convicted felons, violent offenders and juveniles.
Officials said the 40 individuals arrested were booked into the Howard County Jail on a range of charges, including false identification, possession of a controlled substance, felony and misdemeanor warrants, possession of marijuana, evading arrest, and unlawful carrying of a weapon, including by a felon.
DPS also reported that one person in the country illegally was referred to federal immigration authorities, and one suspected gang member was identified during the operation.
No additional details were released. The investigation remains ongoing.
