Second joint operation to reduce crime deemed successful

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department have concluded a second joint operation designed to reduce crime in north Sarasota.

Similar to the operation conducted in January, the agencies worked together to provide an increased law enforcement presence over a 10-day period. By paying particular attention to known offenders, the operation enhanced apprehension efforts for specific crimes within a defined area of our community. The results include:

• 96 Total arrests

• 70 Felony charges

• 110 Misdemeanor charges

Twenty-seven of the arrestees had outstanding warrants. The 96 subjects arrested have a combined 725 prior felony arrests and 1,011 prior misdemeanor arrests. Most of the suspects have never been to prison.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life that residents expect in north Sarasota,” said Sheriff Tom Knight, in a news release. “Law enforcement is working with community partners to ensure that offenders know this area is not supportive of criminal behavior.”

Five of the subjects arrested in the January operation were arrested again for similar drug-related crimes during the second operation in June.

Contact Kurt Schultheis [email protected].