The U.S. Marshals Service successfully arrested 3,421 violent fugitives as part of the latest phase of Operation North Star, a national initiative that targets the most dangerous criminals in high-crime metropolitan areas.

“We first launched Operation North Star in 2022 to identify and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and violent offenders,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The latest phase of the operation led to the seizure of 534 firearms, over $508,000 in cash, and over 1,000 pounds of illegal narcotics. This included a significant amount of fentanyl—more than 138 pound sand over 550,000 pills—a drug infamous for its deadly effects in communities.

The enforcement efforts that were part of Operation North Star in fiscal year 2024 concentrated on fugitives involved in homicides, sexual offenses, robberies, aggravated assaults, and firearms violations.

Key arrests included the apprehension of Hayden Bates-Vellmure and three other suspects in Forth Worth, Texas, who are accused of being involved in a drive-by shooting that injured multiple children.

In St. Louis, Missouri, Garron Stevenson, was wanted for unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree murder after he allegedly opened fire at a street racing event, injuring seven people and killing a 14-year-old.

Aaron Michael Jones was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for home invasion, domestic abuse battery, and child endangerment.

Michael Muldovan, who was arrested in Sterling, Virginia, was wanted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for first degree statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child.

“The success of this operation is the result of the outstanding combined efforts of our Deputies and Task Force Officers, along with strong collaboration with the community and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” U.S. Marshals Director Ronald Davis said.

“Over the past year, the Marshals Service conducted Operation North Star in 10 cities across the country experiencing high levels of gun violence.”

The 10 metropolitan areas chosen for the operation included Dallas and Forth Worth, Texas; Charleston and North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix, Arizona; St. Louis, Missouri (including East St. Louis, Illinois); Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas.