U.S. Marshals Apprehend Local Fugitive and Recover Firearms

Flint, MI – U.S. Marshals arrested a man today who is wanted on felony firearms charges in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. James Ashley was tracked down and located in the 2000 block of Borderline Drive in Flint, MI and taken into custody.

Through joint partnerships of the U.S. Marshals Service, Mount Pleasant Police Department requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in E/MI (Eastern District of Michigan) with the apprehension of Ashley.

Task Force members obtained a search warrant for the residence that Ashley was observed occupying and with the assistance of local officers, entry was made. Subsequently, Ashley and several other adult males, armed with firearms, exited the residence through the rear windows. USMS Task Force personnel on the perimeter of the location were able to take all subjects into custody without incident.

Due to the location and arrest of Ashley, the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force was able to recover seven firearms, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and 74 pills of ecstasy. All four subjects were arrested and being charged with felony firearms related offenses, resisting arrest, and drug possession.

“This arrest is a shining example of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners working together to make a significant impact in terms of violent crime reduction in Eastern Michigan,” said Owen Cypher, U.S. Marshal of the Eastern District of Michigan. “This seizure of seven firearms, including an AK-47 style long gun, several high-capacity magazines, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and dangerous drugs, undoubtedly saved countless lives within the community of Flint and Eastern Michigan. It is one of the most significant seizures of firearms on a single arrest scene for the U.S. Marshals Service in E/MI. The men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offender Taskforce are working within our communities every single day, to take the most violent offenders off the streets and bring them to justice. I am extremely proud of their work and dedication to making our community safe for all.”  

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. Nationwide, 60 local task forces are dedicated to violent crime reduction by locating and apprehending wanted criminals.