RICHMOND, Va. (WJHL) — According to a Facebook post from the Virginia State Police, 90 federal, state and local arrests were made in Richmond and the Tri-Cities region.
“Operation Washout” wrapped up on May 24 after almost a week of gang-targeted enforcement.
Multiple agencies, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, participated in the operation that began on May 20.
Law enforcement was primarily targeting violent gang members, and of the 90 arrests, 22 were documented gang members. Several of the remaining arrests were suspected gang members or associates.
Authorities also were able to arrest multiple wanted individuals not targeted by the operation initially, who happened to be around the targets of the arrests.
The operation led to the seizure of six guns, including a sawed-off shotgun and what was described as an “AK-47 type pistol.”
Authorities also seized 54 grams of heroin, as well as cocaine, marijuana and oxycontin pills.
Six murder arrests were also made.
Several of those arrested belonged to known gangs such as Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, Pagans, Hells Angels, Aryan Brotherhood and more.
“Thank you to the U.S. Marshals Service and all of the participating law enforcement partners who contributed to this successful anti-violent crime initiative,” said Zach Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
One of the notable arrests was of Jyahshua Hill for felony animal cruelty resulting in death. Hill is accused of tying a dog to a fence and then lighting it on fire.
Jamonte Brothers was also arrested for double homicide, kidnapping and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Authorities hope that such operations will send a strong message to gang members and violent criminals to stay out of their communities.
