CLEVELAND – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), led by the U.S. Marshals Service, has reached a monumental milestone, surpassing 60,000 arrests since its inception in 2003. The landmark arrest involved David Wayne Garner, 40, wanted by the East Cleveland Police Department for aggravated murder in connection with a January 20, 2025, shooting in the 1700 block of Shaw Avenue. This achievement underscores the task force’s relentless pursuit of justice and its critical role in enhancing public safety across northern Ohio and beyond.
The NOVFTF, spearheaded by U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, was established following the 2001 killing of Cleveland police officer Wayne Leon by a fugitive, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to apprehend dangerous criminals. What began with a few teams has grown into a robust operation with nine fugitive investigation and apprehension teams, a missing child unit, a cold case unit, a sex offender investigation team, and a full-time training instructor. The task force collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, including the Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and others, fostering partnerships that have been pivotal to its success over the past 22 years.
The task force’s impact is evident in its arrest statistics: over 2,421 homicide suspects, 2,534 individuals accused of rape, 4,818 charged with robbery, 9,785 suspected of felonious assaults, and 15,652 accused of drug crimes. Notable cases include the 2012 arrest of John Donald Cody in Oregon, who defrauded victims of approximately $100 million, and the 2015 capture of Frank Freshwaters in Florida, who had been on the run since 1959 after a vehicular manslaughter conviction. More recently, the task force apprehended Andre McCoy, wanted for the 2020 shooting death of 4-year-old Rowan Sweeney in Struthers, Ohio, and Martino Giles, a fugitive who evaded capture for eight years. These cases highlight the NOVFTF’s ability to track down high-profile fugitives, both locally and across state lines.
“The best part, I think, is that they’ve made a significant difference in northern Ohio and across the country,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, reflecting on the task force’s achievements. The NOVFTF’s efforts extend beyond arrests, as it often encounters armed fugitives, further emphasizing the dangerous nature of their work and their commitment to removing threats from communities.
What Does the U.S. Marshals Service Do?
The U.S. Marshals Service, established in 1789, is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency and plays a vital role in the justice system. Operating under the Department of Justice, the agency is responsible for apprehending fugitives, transporting prisoners, protecting federal judges and witnesses, managing seized assets from criminal enterprises, and executing court orders. Its fugitive apprehension program, which includes task forces like the NOVFTF, targets violent offenders and works closely with state and local law enforcement to locate and arrest those wanted for serious crimes. The Marshals Service also maintains the 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list, spotlighting high-priority cases to aid in their capture. With a presence in all 94 federal judicial districts and international operations in countries like Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, the agency’s mission is to ensure the safety and integrity of the judicial process.
How to Assist the NOVFTF
The public plays a crucial role in the task force’s success. Anyone with information about a wanted fugitive is encouraged to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or submit a tip online at http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html. Tips can be provided anonymously, and rewards may be available for information leading to an arrest. For more details on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted Fugitives, visit https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/15-most-wanted-fugitive.
The NOVFTF’s milestone of 60,000 arrests is a testament to its dedication, collaboration, and impact on public safety. As it continues to pursue justice, the task force remains a cornerstone of law enforcement in northern Ohio, ensuring that violent fugitives are brought to account.
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Image: "AFGE and US Marshals Service Sign New Collective Bargaining Agreement" by AFGE is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.
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