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WATCH: Feds arrested 162 violent criminals in 3-month effort in St. Louis

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(St. Louis County Police)

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Sixty-nine suspected gang members and 16 people wanted in connection with murders are off the streets, after a three-month operation conducted by federal, state and local authorities.

Authorities say 162 people were arrested in the St. Louis area between June and September in an effort dubbed "Operation Triple Beam." 


"This task force is kicking butt, that's what they're doing," said U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri John Jordan.  

Operation Triple Beam is a U.S. Mashal led effort that began in 2011. Jordan says it is executed at least once a year. This year it included St. Louis City and County Police, St. Ann Police, St. Charles County Police, North County Police Cooperative, Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, Missouri Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

In addition to the arrests, the operation seized 40 firearms, 10 pounds of narcotics, over $24,000 cash and three seized vehicles. Officials say in four cases arresting officers were shot at, but none were hit.

OPERATION TRIPLE BEAM ST. LOUIS RESULTS IN 162 ARRESTS by EntercomSTL on Scribd

Several of the arrests were made in the high-crime section of north St. Louis dubbed, "Hayden's rectangle." St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden promised it will reduce crime in that area. "Certainly the persons involved, the arrests involved, certainly should have a positive impact on our affect on violent crime in the city."

Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Bill Callahan says about 40 percent of the cases will be referred to Federal Court, where they'll be prosecuted by US Attorney Jeff Jensen. "Make no mistake, the folks that were arrested and will be prosecuted by Mr. Jensen's office are violent criminals who have put their greed in front of the health and welfare of the citizens of the region of St. Louis and St. Louis County." 

 Jordan says even though the operation is over for now, the coordinated effort to get violent criminals off the streets will go on. "This is the result of people having a cooperative spirit. That's what we're going to continue to do. The leadership standing before you will continue to do this day in and day out."

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