July 20, 2009
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

13 ARRESTED DURING EAST VOLUSIA CRIME CRACKDOWN

Law enforcement turned up the heat on criminals in East Volusia on Friday during a multi-agency street crimes operation that resulted in 13 arrests and the issuance of 67 traffic citations. And Friday’s crime sweep comes with a warning to offenders: More operations are already being planned, according to Captain Dana White of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office organized the operation, which was designed to target street crimes, known criminal suspects and wanted persons, high traffic locations and individuals with gang ties. In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, other participants included the FBI, state probation officers and police officers from Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Port Orange, South Daytona and Daytona Beach Shores. The Volusia County Beach Patrol and the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force also assisted in the operation. “This was a high visibility operation,” said Captain White. “We wanted to make our presence felt on the streets, and that’s exactly what we did. The teamwork among all of the participating agencies was impressive, and the results showed that our efforts were successful.”

Approximately 45 officers took part in Friday’s operation. Participating units from the Sheriff’s Office included patrol deputies and investigators based out of the Sheriff’s Office’s District 3 headquarters in Holly Hill along with K-9 units, motors deputies, a helicopter and the agency’s Crime Suppression Team. The crackdown resulted in six felony arrests and seven misdemeanor arrests on charges ranging from possession of cocaine, grand theft auto and reckless driving to fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, violation of an injunction and driving on a suspended license. Among those arrested was a known gang member wanted for carjacking. Also during the operation, officers recovered one stolen vehicle along with a second vehicle involved in a carjacking in Daytona Beach.

“Friday’s operation sent a message to the criminal element in this community,” said Captain White. “We’re going to keep the pressure on and keep the streets safe for law-abiding citizens. To the criminals preying on innocent residents, if we didn’t catch you on Friday, we’ll be coming back for you the next time. We don’t intend to let up.”