By Caleb Hutton
A warrant sweep of gang members and wanted criminals ended with 24 arrests in a matter of hours Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Here’s a full list of the arrests made during “Operation Chimney Sweep,” via the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office,
And here’s the full press release:
On December 12th, 2012 the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office led a multi-agency warrant emphasis that targeted gang members, their associates and other high risk offenders living within Whatcom County. All 62 offenders and suspects identified and targeted had outstanding active arrest warrants or probable cause issued for their arrest. A total of 56 Federal, State and local law enforcement officers, from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Bellingham PD, Ferndale PD, Everson PD, Lynden PD, Sumas PD, Washington Department of Corrections, FBI, DEA, US Marshalls Service and Homeland Security Investigations participated in the 10-hour operation, which took place from 0900-1900 hours.
During this operation, teams of deputies, agents and officers deployed throughout the County. Arrests took place within the city limits of Bellingham, Blaine and unincorporated Whatcom County. A total of 23 adults and one juvenile were arrested with 39 warrants and PC’s being served. The most serious charges were for Kidnapping, Escape and Delivery of Methamphetamine. A variety of gang members and associates were arrested, including affiliates of the Bloods, Crips, Brown Pride Surenos, Tiny Rascals and Insane Clown Posse.
The most significant arrest of the day was that of James Michael Craver who was wanted on Probable Cause from Bellingham PD and Everson PD for Kidnapping 1st, Robbery 1st, Assault 2nd Domestic Violence and Burglary 2nd. He was also wanted for a Felony Department of Corrections warrant. Craver had been responsible for a multi-day crime spree and was considered a high risk offender.
This operation was the fourth in a series of warrant sweeps that targeted serious offenders and known gang members. The cooperative program was launched in October of 2011 and combined with the three operations in 2012, (April, August and December) have resulted in a total of 64 persons being arrested on a variety of criminal charges and warrants, and over 100 warrants served. Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies have partnered in Whatcom County in response to increased gang incidents and activity and to also focus on repeat dangerous offenders known to be active here. This cooperative effort sends a message, supported by the community, that criminal organizations, drug dealers and other violent criminals will not be tolerated in our towns and neighborhoods.
Sheriff Elfo has stated: “This is another example of the tireless efforts of our deputies and our State, Local and Federal partners to rid Whatcom County of criminal gang activity hold offenders accountable and maintain community safety.”
I wasn’t impressed with the list of bad guys and girls. 56 law enforcement officers needed?
Those darn white supremacist associates! No motorcycle enthusiasts?
Oh my working hard to arrest failure to appear on shoplifting? Driving while suspended in the third? Are you serious? All the child molesters get less time the the small time offenders. Gangs here? What a joke.
What the hell is that suppose to mean?/
Insane Clown Posse is a music group and not a gang. Their fans, “Juggalos” dress up like gang members. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juggalo
What a bunch of complainers. It does not matter what the warrant was for its for what they find in the house when they serve it and this also keeps the gangs nervous.
seems to me law enforcment in whatcom county have there priorities messed up……come guys this list made you look petty and rediculous…waiste of tax payers money….lol