HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:  Thursday, November 13, 2003, 12:00 p.m.
Contact:  Nancy M. Mulroy, PIO, Hartford Police Department, (860) 543-8746.

OPERATION S.O.N. UPDATE.

     (Hartford) – Over the past two days Operation S.O.N. (Save Our Neighborhood) has resulted in one hundred and thirteen arrests (113) made by State and Hartford Police, United States Marshals, and federal agents of the FBI, ATF and DEA.

     The 113 fugitives charges ranged from Breach of the Peace and Disorderly Conduct, to Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Burglary, Robbery, Assault, Narcotics Possession, Possession With Intent to Sell (PWITS) Narcotics, Sale and Possession of Narcotics, Parole Violations, Violation of Protective Orders, to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. 

     “United States Marshals, in support of the operation, conducted over two hundred (200) background investigations, and will be pursuing outstanding arrest warrants on out of state fugitives,” stated Paul Winterhalder, Public Information Officer for the United States Marshals.

     Launched at approximately 4:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 12, 2003, Operations S.O.N. will be winding down during the evening hours of Thursday, November 13^th, 2003, said Hartford Police Chief Bruce P. Marquis.  “However, this does not mean fugitives can relax.  The message out on the street is turn your self in for we will get you,” stated Marquis.  Anyone who suspects they may have an outstanding arrest warrant may call the Hartford Police at (860) 527-7300, extension 8637 or 8638.

     In commenting on the operation’s success, State Police Sergeant J. Paul Vance, Public Information Officer for the State Police, stated, “this operation has enhanced public safety within the boundaries of the city of Hartford.  This large mobilization multiple law enforcement agencies, working together as teams, is a testament to how we blended our agencies together with one goal in mind, of making the operation a success and getting these criminals behind bars.”

     Mayor Eddie Perez extended his praise to all those involved in the operation, stating that its “state, local and federal partnerships like this that can take our street back.  This will not be a one time effort, but will be ongoing to get off the streets those individuals threatening our public safety.”

     Hartford Police asks the community’s help by calling its confidential tip line, (860) 525-GUNS.  All information will be kept in the strictest of confidence.