Crime & Safety

37 Violent Fugitives Arrested In Tampa-Area Operation, FBI Says

During a 90-day operation targeting violent fugitives, 37 people were arrested in the Tampa area, the FBI said.

TAMPA, FL — A 90-day multi-agency operation targeting violent fugitives resulted in the arrests of 37 people across the Tampa area, the FBI said in a news release.

The FBI Tampa Division, U.S. Marshals Service, Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office worked together during the summer as part of Operation No Escape, an FBI violent crime initiative.

The operation focused on people wanted for serious offenses, including homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and crimes against children, the FBI said.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Investigators combined resources and intelligence to locate fugitives with “long-standing and serious warrants,” the bureau said.

Among those arrested was Antruan Ownes, who had been wanted since April 2023 on an attempted murder charge involving a firearm and additional charges. Investigators located him in Tampa, and he was taken into custody without incident.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Jerald Joseph Carlson, who had been wanted since December 2019 on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, was also arrested. FBI agents and Tampa police located Carlson at his place of employment after conducting surveillance, the FBI said.

“When we combine resources and expertise with our law enforcement partners, criminals don’t stand a chance,” FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford said in a statement.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.