The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas on Monday announced a partnership with Dallas police and the ATF to reduce gun violence in the city this summer. The three organizations announced "Operation Take Aim" at the federal courthouse in Dallas.
Operation Take Aim will more closely look at gun violence cases and include more meetings among ATF, the U.S. Attorney, and Dallas police.
"We have internal procedures to more closely vet every gun case that comes through the door to match it with the community impact of that case," U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said. "With a more close look at every single gun case and other violent crime cases, we can try to have a focused impact."
Simonton said the project "zeroes in" on repeat offenders she said are most likely to be violent and charge them with federal crimes.
She cited the case of Javier Suttles, who was placed on deferred adjudication after two armed robbery convictions. When he was under supervision, Simonton said Suttles committed three more robberies, showing a gun with an extended magazine each time. He has been charged with federal crimes and could face up to 27 years in prison.
"Violent crime has been and is still a serious concern in virtually all major American cities," Simonton said. "But what you also have in Dallas and other North Texas cities is a coordinated approach between federal and local law enforcement to target violent offenders."
listen to the full press conference
"Through our law enforcement intelligence, we know violence in this city is being driven by repeat, chronic offenders, many associated with gangs who have lengthy criminal records," Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia said.
Dallas police said the violent crime rate dropped 5.5% last year. Garcia said the department is taking a three-pronged approach to reduce crime: targeting enforcement in the most violent parts of the city, identifying underlying causes of crime, and "focused deterrence."
Operation Take Aim will focus on people found with guns who have been convicted of felonies or domestic violence.
"Given a foothold, violent crime rips through communities," Simonton said. "Our neighbors turn into casualties."
The ATF said the agencies will work together to secure prosecutions when people are arrested for gun possession, unlicensed dealing, straw purchasing, and showing a gun while committing a crime.
"Nowhere in the country, and you can quote this, is there the support and cooperation among federal prosecutors, state prosecutors, police departments, and the feds like there is here in North Texas," ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Boshek said.
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