SJSO’s Operation Summer Heat Underway; more than 15 firearms taken off streets
Published 2:46 pm Wednesday, June 15, 2022
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Operation Summer Heat, an initiative aimed at stemming gun violence in St. John the Baptist Parish, has resulted in more than 15 firearms taken off the streets as well as several arrests, Sheriff Mike Tregre announced today.
The SWAT team is currently following up on investigative leads and tips from the community related to criminal activity, and to saturate the areas of concern with law enforcement presence in an attempt to deter possible criminal activity.
“The SWAT team professionally, yet aggressively, has been targeting the criminal element in the parish,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said.
Since May 17, 2022 this initiative has resulted in the recovery of 19 firearms and the arrest of 28 offenders. Offenders charges ranged from illegal carrying of weapons, possession of stolen firearms and other drug and gun offenses as well as flight from an officer. Three stolen vehicles also were recovered, two of which belonged to victims of carjackings in Tangipahoa Parish and New Orleans that had occurred less than 24 hours prior to the recovery of the vehicles and arrests of the offenders.
Officers also recovered over two ounces of fentanyl, so far, during Operation Summer Heat.
“Fentanyl mixed with other illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin is one of the leading causes of recent overdoses in the community,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “In most of the overdoses, the users were unaware they were actually taking fentanyl. A very small amount of fentanyl can be lethal. I want citizens to be aware of the dangers of this deadly drug. ”
“We always work diligently to take these illegally used guns and drugs off our streets and out of our neighborhoods,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “These enhanced patrols will continue as needed to ensure the safety of our citizens, and anytime we receive tips from the community that help law enforcement. We are very grateful to residents for coming forward with information about criminal activity in our neighborhoods.”
