54 arrests made
The Sarasota Police Department recovered 34 illegal firearms during Operation Safe Summer, “a months-long initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting community safety,” the agency has announced.
Some of those “were in the hands of juveniles,” a news release points out.
From late May through mid-August, the Community Action Team (CAT), Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU), and Patrol Division officers “worked cohesively to obtain illegal firearms and substances,” a news release says.
“Throughout the operation, Sarasota Police officers executed multiple search warrants in collaboration with neighboring agencies, including the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office,” the release continues. “These coordinated efforts allowed for the simultaneous execution of warrants across multiple locations,” it notes.
In addition, the Police Department’s patrol officers searched for wanted suspects and conducted “high-visibility enforcement to deter criminal activity,” the release says.
“Officers made 54 arrests during the operation, resulting in 95 felony and 41 misdemeanor charges,” the release notes.
The operation highlights the department’s commitment to “combating gun-related crimes and ensuring the safety of our community members, especially our youth,” the release points out.
In addition to the illegal firearms, the operation resulted in the following seizures, the release says:
- 950.5 grams of cocaine.
- 15.5 grams of fentanyl.
- 6 grams of heroin.
- 20.1 grams of methamphetamine.
- 1,410.4 grams of marijuana.
- 18.7 grams of oxycodone.
- 104.9 grams of synthetic cannabinoids.
- $28,625 in cash.
“This operation is just one example of how we’re working around the clock, often behind the scenes, to keep Sarasota safe,” said Chief Rex Troche in the release. “Even when you don’t see us, our officers are out there, making sure our community is protected from those who pose a threat. We’ll continue to be relentless in our efforts to reduce gun violence and safeguard our residents,” he added in the release.
“As always,” the release says, the Police Department’s leaders and officers “encourage community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
Anyone with information regarding illegal or stolen firearms is asked to please call 911 or the non-emergency line at 941-316-1191. Individuals also may leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or going online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com, the release notes.