MSO Warrant Apprehension Unit participated in over 250 arrests in 2020
More than 250 individuals wanted on outstanding warrants in jurisdictions across Massachusetts, and beyond, were taken into custody in 2020 due in part to the efforts of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) Warrant Apprehension Unit (W.A.U.), officials announced today.
The W.A.U. is comprised of three fulltime deputy sheriffs and a member of the Lowell Police Department. The unit is also supported by other MSO divisions
including the Inner Perimeter Security (IPS) Unit and intelligence analysts.
In total, W.A.U. members made – or assisted in – 266 arrests alongside members of the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) and other law enforcement partners.
“I want to thank the members of our Warrant Apprehension Unit and our law enforcement colleagues for their incredible work in 2020,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Year after year, the members of this team work in collaboration with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice individuals wanted by local law enforcement and the courts on serious felony and other charges.”
Among those arrested in 2020 was a 33-year-old Lowell resident who was wanted on a probation violation warrant from Middlesex Superior Court and on an arrest warrant from Lawrence District Court. Charges from the two courts included stalking, witness intimidation, assault & battery on a family or household member, armed robbery and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, among others. W.A.U. and VFAS members located the individual at a Lowell residence leading to a brief foot chase that ended in his arrest by members of the Lowell Police Department.
“Lowell Police are grateful for the continued partnership with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office along with the Massachusetts State Police and Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. This partnership has made the City of Lowell a safer place,” said Lowell Police Superintendent Kelly Richardson. “We look forward to the continued success of this partnership as we work to bring those who attempt to evade justice forward to answer for their actions.”
“Partnerships between agencies are key to successful law enforcement strategies, and we are grateful for the continued and valuable assistance the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office provides to our fugitive apprehension mission,” State Police Colonel Christopher Mason said.
In addition, W.A.U. members also worked with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to safely and securely return more than a dozen individuals arrested outside Massachusetts to face charges in Middlesex County, including individuals wanted for murder, attempted murder, home invasion, violations of abuse prevention orders and drug offenses.
Included among those returned to Massachusetts in 2020 was Michael Floyd, 32, of Dracut. Floyd was returned to Massachusetts in March to face charges related to the alleged sexual assault on a female minor. After being placed on a court-ordered GPS in September, Floyd fled again with Dracut Police and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office tracking him to Buchanan, Michigan. W.A.U. members returned him to the Commonwealth a second time in mid-October.
“This year, while in the midst of a global health crisis, the importance of collaboration has been constantly underlined as we all strive to preserve public safety in a new normal. Through our partnership with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Warrant Apprehension Unit we have been able to ensure that even though many of the day-to-day functions of law enforcement have been impacted by COVID-19, we are still able to continue to make sure that individuals facing serious criminal charges, that often involve a risk to public safety, are apprehended. This is important work and I am grateful for this partnership and the Unit’s continued efforts year after year to protect our communities,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
Individuals with information regarding wanted fugitives within Middlesex County may contact the Warrant Apprehension Unit at 617-682-4801.
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