Last Updated 07/29/2022 ~ Philadelphia, PA – Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and the Office of the Philadelphia Sheriff, in partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Philadelphia Juvenile Court (Probation and Enforcement Team), and the Pennsylvania State Police, held a press conference on Friday, July 29, 2022 announcing the results of the second “Operation Priority Takedown”, a sweep concentrating on perpetrators of violent crime and perpetrators with outstanding warrants and a history of gun charges.
Seventy-Two (72) Officers were involved in the operation that served 209 warrants, thirty-one (31) offenders were taken into custody on charges including possession of firearms, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, rape, sexual assault, and other offenses. This operation seized two guns (9mm and 380 caliber) as well as fentanyl with a street value of $1,350.
“Our office has a commitment to doing everything in our power, with the support of our partners, to protect the citizens of the City of Philadelphia. We are facing an unprecedented surge in gun violence, and we are working diligently to take criminals off the streets. The arrest of these 31 offenders is substantial progress and includes those charged with very serious offenses.” – Sheriff Rochelle Bilal.
The press conference was held in the lobby of the Family Court Building. Here’s the full press conference: click here, and photos for use in your publication (photo credit: courtesy of The Office of the Sheriff): click here.
Speakers at today’s press conference included:
- Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
- Captain Nicole Nobles, Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
- Chief Inspector of Detectives Frank Vanore, Philadelphia Police Department (on behalf of Commissioner Outlaw)
This sweep is the latest in a series of periodic inter-departmental actions to supplement the efforts of the Sheriff’s Fugitive Warrant Unit, a 24-hour/7-day unit of the Office. It is part of Sheriff Bilal’s continuing commitment to honor the mandate given to her by the citizens of Philadelphia to help make the city a safer, better place to live.
