IMPD: 100+ violent offenders arrested during Operation Guardian

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Thursday announced the arrests of 116 violent offenders as part of Operation Guardian.

Operation Guardian is a multi-day effort aimed at capturing some of the most wanted violent offenders and enhancing community safety.

“These arrests represent not just enforcement, but a commitment to protecting families, reducing violence, and restoring peace in our neighborhoods,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. “Operation Guardian demonstrates what is possible when agencies work together – violent offenders are removed from our streets and our community is safer,” he continued. “We are grateful for the dedication of our officers and the commitment of our partners who continue to stand with us in addressing violent crime.”

Led by IMPD, Operation Guardian combined the resources and expertise from several IMPD specialty units and multiple partner agencies, including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Indiana State Police (ISP), U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

During the operation, 116 offenders were taken into custody, and investigators recovered the following items:

• 29 crime guns.
• Three machine gun conversion devices.
• 436 grams of Methamphetamines.
• 15 Fentanyl pills.
• 5.09 pounds of cocaine.
• $59,866 in U.S. currency tied to criminal activity.
• A stolen vehicle.

Those arrested are accused of a variety of serious offenses, ranging from drug-related crimes and weapons violations to murder. The MCPO will make the final charging decisions.

Quotes

“The Indiana State Police fully supports IMPD and is always prepared to provide resources and leverage
our investigative expertise to assist in their ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and improve residents’
quality of life across Indianapolis.”

Peter Glogoza, ISP Investigative Support section commander.

“To the violent offenders who endanger our communities – take note: the FBI will find you and remove
you from our streets. Together with our law enforcement partners, we are united in our resolve to take the most dangerous criminals off the streets and keep our neighborhoods safe places to live and work.”

Michael Ericks, FBI Indianapolis acting special agent in charge

“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to have collaborated with our state and local law enforcement
partners in the successful apprehension of several outstanding fugitives wanted for serious crimes,
including domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, injury to a child, and strangulation. This operation underscores our shared commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities and bringing justice to victims of violent crime. HSI remains dedicated to leveraging its resources and expertise to support our partners in safeguarding the public and holding offenders accountable.”

Matthew J. Scarpino, Homeland Security Investigations Chicago special agent in charge

“Thanks to our law enforcement partners, we have identified and located individuals who threaten our
community’s safety. “But the work does not stop here. Prosecutors and law enforcement will continue to collaborate to build cases and pursue violations. This reflects our shared commitment to keeping our community safe.”

Ryan Mears, Marion County prosecutor.

“The US Marshals will continue to assist their local partners with apprehending violent fugitives in the
state of Indiana and across the United States. We look forward to a continued partnership with IMPD and assisting with operations in the future.”

Michael Cundiff, deputy commander for the U.S. Marshals Service.

“An important part of our gun violence reduction strategy is targeted enforcement like this, focused on holding the most violent offenders in our community accountable. I am grateful for the work @IMPDnews and our state and federal partners to make our city safer.“

Joe Hogsett, mayor of Indianapolis.

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