Operation nets 183 arrests in Lincoln, Omaha areas

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

A national operation has led to 183 arrests in the Omaha and Lincoln areas.

Led by the U.S. Marshal Service, Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) ran June 8-14.

Over the course of the seven-day operation, deputy U.S. Marshals teamed with federal, state and local law enforcement to arrest 183 fugitives, including eight sex offenders, Deputy U.S. Marshal Brandon VanBuskirk said.

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It focused on capturing people wanted on felony charges, including sexual predators and fugitives wanted for crimes of violence, he said.

Police departments in Lincoln, Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, and sheriff’s offices in Lancaster, Douglas and Sarpy counties took part.

The operation cleared 187 warrants in the Omaha and Lincoln areas, he said.

VanBuskirk described it as one of the area’s largest-ever fugitive initiatives.

Operation FALCON-District of Nebraska consisted of about 50 federal, state and local law enforcement officers who worked in eight arrest teams throughout the seven-day period, he said.

Each participating local officer was sworn in as a special deputy U.S. marshal just prior to the start of this operation.

With the special authority, they could cross traditional lines of jurisdiction to track down and arrest targeted fugitives in that week.

“From the outset, Operation FALCON has proved how much can be accomplished when we combine resources at the federal, state and local levels,” said John F. Clark, director of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Since its inception in 2005, Operation FALCON has led to more than 54,490 arrests and cleared more than 69,800 warrants.