EDWARDSVILLE — A Cross-River Crime Task Force deployment on Thursday, Aug. 27, in Madison County resulted in 21 arrests, the recovery of four stolen vehicles and the seizure of two firearms, as officers targeted violent crime, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and other criminal activity.
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The deployment included 37 officers from 11 law enforcement agencies throughout the region, including local, state and federal partners.
The operation resulted in nine arrests on outstanding warrants, with 12 additional felony charges being submitted to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
Among the deployment’s highlights, officers made a traffic stop and discovered a driver in possession of burglary tools, a cut catalytic converter and a victim’s stolen identification. The ensuing investigation led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles, including one vehicle believed to have been involved in a shooting.
In another incident, officers stopped a stolen vehicle occupied by a suspected gang member who was found to have a firearm.
Task force members also seized suspected crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and oxycodone. Officers apprehended several fugitives wanted on outstanding warrants, including a woman wanted on an extraditable warrant from Colorado for identity theft.
Others taken into custody were wanted for offenses including domestic battery, unlawful violation of an order of protection, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, obstructing a peace officer, retail theft and criminal property damage.
Task Force Commander Marcos Pulido commended the officers who participated in the deployment. The deputy commanders of the task force, Capt. Kurtis McCray and Capt. Adam Connor, assisted in leading the deployment.
“This was another productive deployment that demonstrates the value of bringing law enforcement agencies together and putting additional officers on the streets of Madison County,” Pulido said. “The results speak for themselves — 21 arrests, stolen vehicles recovered, firearms seized and dangerous drugs taken off the streets. We’re thankful for the commitment that so many agencies have made to this effort.”
The Cross-River Crime Task Force is a collaborative law enforcement initiative involving police agencies throughout Madison County and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The task force conducts targeted deployments designed to address violent crime, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and other criminal activity throughout the county.
