Operation Summer Shield 2023: Phoenix crime crackdown ends in over 580 arrests, police say

'Operation Summer Shield' nabs over 580 people

Phoenix Police officials announced on June 15 the results of a multi-agency operation that targeted violent offenders across the city. FOX 10's Nicole Garcia reports.

PHOENIX - The Phoenix Police Department announced the results of a multi-agency operation targeting violent offenders in the city on June 15.

Operation Summer Shield was 'immensely successful,' and ended in the arrests of over 580 people, police said, including wanted fugitives, homicide suspects, and convicted felons wanted for recent shootings.

The operation took place as Phoenix is experiencing an upward trend in gun violence and homicides.

"A lot of planning goes into it. You want to get the individual where you're not going to bring in other members of the community, and obviously plan for the safety of your officers as well," said Van Bayless, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona.

The operation targeted the most violent criminals on the loose, including four murder suspects who were wanted for shooting and killing four different victims. Police say the majority of crimes that happen in Phoenix are committed by a small group of repeat offenders.

"We seized nearly four dozen firearms during this operation. All 21 of the arrestees that were armed with firearms during this operation were all prohibited possessors, said Phoenix Police Interim Chief Michael Sullivan.

Prohibited possessors are convicted felons who are not legally allowed to carry or buy firearms. According to police officials, they are driving the increase in shootings and gun violence across the city.

The challenge now is keeping the armed, repeat offenders behind bars, and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell's plan is to issue high bail amounts and mandatory prison time.

"The price has to be too high for them to go back out and get another gun when they are a felon who should not possess a gun, so it's incumbent on us to hold them accountable," said Mitchell.

During the operation, about 500,000 fentanyl pills and five pounds of meth were seized.

Various law enforcement agencies assisted Phoenix PD, including the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, the Arizona Dept. of Public Safety, the FBI, Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals and the Office of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.