NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release    January 12, 2012, Contact Deputy U.S. Marshal Stephen C. Barnes, Western District of Pennsylvania (814) 464-9681

FUGITIVE TASK FORCe MAKES RECORD ARRESTS FOR 2011

ERIE, Pennsylvania –The U.S. Marshals Service sponsored Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force in Erie announces that they arrested 153 fugitives which cleared 205 warrants in 2011. These warrants were issued by federal, state, and local magistrate courts for fugitives wanted for Homicide, Attempted Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Bank Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Firearm Offenses, Escape, Burglary, Theft, Fraud, State Parole/ Probation Violations, Federal Probation Violations, and Drug Related Offenses.            

The Erie Division of the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency, collaborative law enforcement effort sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service that specializes in locating and apprehending violent felony fugitives in the counties of Elk, Erie, Clarion, Crawford, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren. Participant agencies include the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Venango County Sheriff’s Office, and the Erie Police Department. Participant agencies provide full and part-time task force officers who are then deputized as Special Deputy U.S. Marshals which broaden their arrest powers and ability to investigate and pursue fugitives.          

      Further information about the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force may be viewed at www.usmarshals.gov/district/pa-w/. The public is encouraged to call the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force’s Tip Line at (814) 464-9683 or email [email protected] with information about fugitives. All information will remain confidential and you may remain anonymous. A cash reward may also be available.