Arkansas authorities, community members celebrate Operation North Star arrests

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- A U.S. Marshals-led national operation targeting violent crime offenders is now being celebrated as a success in Little Rock.

The 74-day effort called Operation North Star ended with 163 fugitives arrested in Little Rock. An accomplishment for Arkansas state police and other task force members who helped.

Major Russel King, a part of LRPD’s special investigations division, said they’ve seen a difference in numbers.

“We’ve seen an overall reduction in violent crime by about 4% and the most significant reduction in our homicide rate which is down 27%,” King said.

Lakesia Smith, a mother and advocate for the organization Parents of Murdered Children, was proud to hear the news.

“I’m happy they’re stepping up and I’m happy they’re getting through this,” Smith said.

Those arrested were charged for homicides, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and firearm violations. The arrests come as a relief for Smith after pushing to get criminals off the streets

“It’s a good process working out with the police department, sheriff and who we have, but it’s a further step that needs to be approached with it,” Smith said.

She said there’s more to be done and recently protested for a crackdown on illegal guns.

Operation North Star investigators confiscated more than 500 firearms along with 465 kilograms in illegal narcotics. A proud moment for Kevin Sanders, Supervisor deputy for the U.S Marshals.

“For this particular operation we try to identify those that are causing the most problems wreaking the most havoc on our communities,” Sanders said.

Leaders say Operation North Star may be over, but they will continue to push the same efforts in the community.

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