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HOUSTON, TX – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, recently concluded Operation Heatwave, a multi-agency crime reduction initiative involving local, state and federal law enforcement partners working together to target areas experiencing higher levels of violent crime, robberies, auto thefts and other offenses.
By the end of the operation, law enforcement partners had made 97 arrests, cleared 96 warrants, recovered stolen vehicles valued at more than $150,000 and recovered additional stolen property valued at more than $41,000.
“We get a lot of arrests and reports in these areas for violent crimes,” said Lt. Dennis Wolfford. “Our goal is to put resources where they’re needed most and get these offenders off the streets.”
In one case, deputies located a suspect already known to investigators for auto theft activity in the Austin area. Deputies tracked the suspect to Houston and apprehended him during a traffic stop. The suspect also had an active felony theft warrant involving property valued between $30,000 and $150,000.
In another case, deputies located a reported stolen vehicle. When deputies attempted to make an arrest, the driver fled. Deputies eventually apprehended the suspect, who now faces felony charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Evading in a Motor Vehicle.
Deputies also apprehended a robbery suspect wanted across multiple jurisdictions. Investigators said the suspect was wanted in Harris County for Aggravated Robbery, in League City for Felony Theft, and in Galveston County for Felony Theft. The suspect was also connected to more than $20,000 in electronic thefts from Walmart stores.
Operation Heatwave brought together HCSO personnel and partner agencies to share intelligence, manpower and resources while focusing enforcement efforts on individuals believed to be driving crime in targeted areas.
“When our agencies work together, we can share resources and manpower to focus on the people causing the most harm,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “That partnership makes our communities safer.”
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to using data-driven enforcement and strong partnerships with neighboring law enforcement agencies to identify offenders, recover stolen property and reduce crime throughout Harris County.
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