On Valentine’s Day – No Massacre, But A Raid

The Office of the Sheriff of Philadelphia, in conjunction with Philadelphia Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and Sheriff Deputies from Chester, Bucks, Montgomery and Delaware Cos. conducted an early-morning, citywide sweep for fugitives wanted on outstanding warrants across the region.

The raids began at 2 a.m. and took place in every section of the city. The officers arrested 27 individuals wanted for everything from domestic abuse to attempted murder, robbery, and failure to pay child support.

Valentine’s Day marked the 16^th year of this annual event led by the Office of the Sheriff of Philadelphia and its Fugitive Warrant Unit.

The raids consisted of approximately 50 officers overall, as well as two dogs trained to sniff out drugs and cadavers.

“It is a testimony to the cooperation and spirit of these officers to come together from so many jurisdictions and be on one accord,” said Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams.

“These (wanted) individuals are charged with a mix of serious crimes committed both here and across the region,” added Sheriff Williams. “While on the run they become involved in even more criminal activities to sustain themselves, including robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking. Getting them off the street also helps to decrease the overall level of violence in the city”.

The raids ended with a press conference at Family Court at 1801 Vine Street where the prisoners were temporarily held before being transferred to the city or town that has a warrant for their arrest.

“We are sending a message to these individuals that we have not forgotten them and Valentine’s Day is just another day for us to shrink their comfort zone as much as possible,” added Lieutenant Vernon Muse, head of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Fugitive Warrant Unit.