A recent two-day operation in Howard County has culminated in the arrest of 40 individuals, along with the confiscation of several illegal firearms. This initiative, led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), aimed to combat rising violent crime rates in West Texas.
Conducted on April 17 and 18, the Targeted Violent Crime Operation involved collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The operation concentrated on high-crime areas to effectively disrupt gang-related activities and violent felony offenses.
The DPS emphasized the operation’s focus on disarming individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms, such as juveniles and convicted felons. In a statement, the department reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with law enforcement agencies to safeguard Texas communities and ensure that violent offenders face justice.
Those apprehended during the operation have been booked at the Howard County Jail on an array of charges. These include unlawful weapon possession, carrying firearms as a felon, drug-related offenses involving controlled substances and marijuana, evading arrest, and various outstanding warrants, including both felony and misdemeanor charges.
Additionally, authorities identified a member of a criminal gang and made a referral to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for one individual.
Details regarding the identities of those arrested have not been disclosed by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office or the Texas Department of Public Safety.
