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U.S. Marshals Arrest 247 In North Florida, 96 In Pensacola Area
July 10, 2009
The U.S. Marshals Service has wrapped up Operation FALCON — Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally — with 247 arrests in the Northern District of Florida, 96 of those in the Pensacola area.
Operation FALCON combined the collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives, focusing on capturing individuals wanted on felony charges including sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence.
During the 30-day operation, Deputy U.S. Marshals from the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force teamed with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, arresting seven fugitives wanted for homicide, 31 sex offenders wanted in connection with sex crimes charges to include charges of sexual assault and failure to register, nine gang members of documented street gangs, and 16 felons on weapons charges. During the operation, 16 guns were seized as well. Overall, 353 warrants were cleared in the Northern District of Florida which covers area from Pensacola to Gainesville.
One of the fugitives captured by Task Force members was Wendell Ray Hurley who was wanted by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for the alleged murder of Timothy Thames. His warrants charged him for homicide, armed home invasion, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. According to police reports, Hurley allegedly broke into Thames’ home and shot him two times with what was believed to be a .380-caliber handgun before fleeing. Around noon on June 2, the Task Force and apprehended Hurley without incident while he slept in a house located on the 1200 block of Tamara Drive in Pensacola. Task Force Officers found a .380 caliber handgun believed to be the murder weapon in the bed where he was sleeping.
Within the Northern District of Florida, Operation FALCON consisted of approximately 30 federal, state and local law enforcement officers, working throughout the operation. Each participating local officer was sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal immediately prior to the start of this operation. This special authority empowers them to cross traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted fugitives throughout the operation.
“The cooperation and enthusiasm of law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Florida has always been incredible,” said U.S. Marshal Dennis Williamson. “The team effort our partners displayed throughout this initiative is commendable and this cooperative effort underscores how successful law enforcement can be when it embraces a spirit of cooperation.”
The Pensacola Task Force made its last Operation FALCON arrest at 6 p.m. on June 30. Fugitive Earl Lee Cummings was wanted in Grand Rapids, MI for felony sexual assault. Police reports indicate that Cummings’ offense involved the sexual assault of a fourteen year-old sometime in 1997. The warrant for his arrest was issued in November of 1998.
The USMS had determined that CUMMINGS has been living in Pensacola for about seven years renting a room of a house on the 2400 Block on Kelso Rd, Pensacola. While conducting surveillance at Kelso Road, U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers spotted Cummings at the house. Assistance was summoned from other Task Force Officers from Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Escambia and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Offices. The Task Force entered the home and found Cummings in his bedroom. He was arrested without incident, brought to the Escambia County Jail and booked in as a fugitive from justice on the Michigan warrant.
Comments
4 Responses to “U.S. Marshals Arrest 247 In North Florida, 96 In Pensacola Area”
It’ about time the locals get some real help, P’cola is my home. Hats’s off to the U.S.M.S. Escambia county needs all the help they can get.Way To Go
Excellent dragnet!
All you local LEO’s look real hard. This is how you do it!
ALL These Men who participated in this effort are to be patted on the back and extended the appreciation of the citizens of NW Fla.This is about the most Ive seen the police depts accomplish in 47 years here In NW Fla. Perhaps we now have some responsible educated leadership out there? It would seem so…..Hatsoff to you boys all of you……..