Operation First Strike Takes Place in Killeen

Crackdown on violent offenders and fugitives goes down in Killeen.

KWTX is reporting that three dozen violent offenders, as well as fugitives, were arrested Friday evening during a large scale three-day gang crackdown in Killeen and other parts of Bell County.

It was called Operation First Strike and it involved the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, as well the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Killeen Police Department.

The operation started Wednesday and wrapped up Friday. It focused on known gang members in Killeen and Bell County.

The total number of people popped was 37, 13 of whom are gang members or associates.

A press release from the police on Friday stated that the goal was..."to bring the Killeen community immediate relief from gang-related violence. The collaborative law enforcement effort was accomplished by targeting and arresting violent fugitives who were wanted by authorities for high-profile crimes such as homicide, felony assault and sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms, illegal drug distribution, robbery and arson."