A massive law enforcement operation in New Jersey has sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld as hundreds of dangerous fugitives were taken into custody during a strategic multi-agency sweep.

According to The Daily Caller, federal authorities arrested 264 wanted criminals, including two illegal immigrants accused of sex crimes, as part of "Operation Apex Hammer," which specifically targeted violent offenders and those wanted for sexual crimes against children and adults.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of 17 homicide suspects and 95 gang members, with the arrested individuals having a staggering combined total of 2,625 prior arrests, averaging approximately 10 arrests per suspect according to federal officials involved in the operation.

Major Breakthrough in Criminal Apprehension Strategy

Among the most significant arrests was Lorenzo Benitez, a 54-year-old undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, who was captured in Plainfield on June 4 and faces multiple sexual assault charges for incidents in Keansburg, New Jersey. The operation also led to the arrest of Darlin Franco-Guzman, a 25-year-old Honduran national who was wanted in Baltimore County for attempted sexual assault of a minor and burglary.

Law enforcement officials emphasized the operation's focus on targeting the most dangerous offenders, including those accused of violent crimes against vulnerable populations. The sweep demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between multiple law enforcement agencies in tracking and apprehending high-priority suspects.

Stephen Bullock, 32, was among those captured, facing charges related to the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 76-year-old woman in Camden County. This arrest highlighted the operation's success in removing dangerous predators from New Jersey communities.

Strategic Operations Yield Multiple High-Profile Arrests

The operation led to several significant arrests related to violent crimes, including Shawn Davis, 38, who was apprehended in Brooklyn for a 2024 homicide in Trenton. Additionally, authorities captured Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, who was wanted for allegedly running over a police officer in South Brunswick.

On June 19, law enforcement successfully apprehended Trasuf Bennett, 20, and a juvenile accomplice for their alleged involvement in a fatal drive-by shooting in Millville that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man. These arrests demonstrated the operation's effectiveness in solving violent crimes.

Francisco Ruiz, 67, was taken into custody in Bayonne on June 20, facing multiple serious charges including sexual assault by contact, terroristic threats, and endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest marked another victory in the operation's mission to protect vulnerable populations.

Impact on Public Safety and Law Enforcement Success

The operation resulted in the confiscation of 14 illegal firearms, significantly impacting the accessibility of weapons to criminal elements in the region. This seizure represented a crucial step in reducing potential violent crimes in New Jersey communities.

Officials praised Operation Apex Hammer as one of the largest regional fugitive sweeps in recent years, emphasizing its success in targeting and apprehending the "worst of the worst" criminals. The operation's scope and effectiveness demonstrated the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts.

Law enforcement leaders highlighted the operation's role in making New Jersey communities safer, particularly noting its impact on removing violent offenders and sexual predators from the streets. The success of this operation could serve as a model for future large-scale law enforcement initiatives.

New Jersey Communities See Positive Results

Operation Apex Hammer has emerged as a landmark achievement in federal law enforcement efforts, resulting in the capture of 264 dangerous criminals who had been evading justice across New Jersey. The operation's success in apprehending violent offenders and sex criminals has significantly improved public safety.

The comprehensive sweep, which included the arrest of multiple homicide suspects and nearly 100 gang members, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement operations. The removal of these dangerous individuals from New Jersey communities represents a significant victory for public safety.

The operation's success, particularly in apprehending suspects wanted for crimes against vulnerable populations, signals a new chapter in law enforcement's ongoing efforts to protect New Jersey residents. As the legal proceedings begin for those arrested, authorities continue their vigilant efforts to maintain public safety and prevent criminal activities.