U.S. Marshals Operation in Lake County Nets 43 Arrests in 10 Days

Painesville, OH – For ten days in August, the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) worked with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on apprehending numerous fugitives wanted by Lake County Sheriff’s Office as well as local police departments in Lake County.

Operation Washout sought to locate and arrest fugitives wanted by Lake County Sheriff’s Office for various warrants but focused their efforts on drug crimes.  Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno said, “The goal for those serving as law enforcement officers, is for the members of our communities in Lake County to have a safe place to live and work.  Violent fugitives and those doing harm to our communities by using and selling narcotics will be removed from our streets to ensure this safety.”

Although not a violent crime by title, drug possession and trafficking can be surrounded by violence and often involves those who have violent criminal histories. In addition to the drug cases, the NOVFTF worked on violent fugitive cases as well.  For example, Tysten Gruss who was wanted by the Willoughby Police Department for strangulation and domestic violence.  Gruss was located in a home in the 2000 block of West 91st St. in Cleveland.  During the arrest, Gruss attempted to jump out of a window to evade arrest.  He then barricaded himself in an attic of the home.  Members of the task force were eventually able to locate and arrest him safely.  

The operation saw over 40 people arrested in ten days.  Additionally, another five people surrendered to authorities after the task force began investigating them.  During the operation, two firearms were recovered during an arrest attempt of a wanted fugitive.  One pistol, which was listed as stolen, and one rifle were recovered while the NOVFTF was looking for Deandre Fitzgerald, 31, wanted by Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  The firearms and potential charges will be reviewed by Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “The collaborative effort between the U.S. Marshals task force and the local police departments and sheriff’s offices is the force multiplier that keeps our communities safe.  When agencies work together towards a common goal great results are achieved.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Painesville Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s, Ashtabula Police Department, Chester Township Police Department,  Eastlake Police Department, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Kirtland Police Department, Lake County Narcotics, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Village Police Department, Middlefield Police Department, Mentor Police Department, Mentor-on-the-lake Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Painesville Police Department, Wickliffe Police Department, Willoughby Police Department, Willoughby Hills Police Department, and Willowick Police Department.