FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — A press release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office touted the completion of the department’s first Operation Unity in 2024, “a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional effort designed to proactively combat illegal activities such as thefts in progress and drug-related crimes.”
The department also says they addressed what are growing concerns about stolen vehicles, calls about shots fired and assaults during the 12-hour operation which occurred in Prairie and Franklin Townships Thursday.
The operation netted the following:
- 123 traffic stops
- 64 citations
- 14 felony arrests
- 20 misdemeanor arrests
- 11 illegally possessed firearms
- 8 grams of cocaine seized
- 11 grams fentanyl seized
- 10 grams methamphetamine seized
- 3 people referred to treatment
- Stopped a theft at Sheetz
The release notes that one of the seized weapons was a gun that had been stolen out of Houston, Texas, five days before the operation.
“This highlights the rapid and organized nature of the criminal networks, which can quickly distribute stolen guns to the streets of central Ohio. Thanks to the diligent work of Operation Unity, these dangerous weapons are now off our streets,” the release said.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the following agencies for their work: The Franklin Township Police, the Columbus Division of Police, the Columbus City Attorney’s Office, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, the Franklin County Municipal Clerk of Courts, the Franklin County Chief’s Association and the Prairie Township board of trustees.
“The collaborative efforts by all involved show the significant impact Operation Unity made in enhancing community safety,” the release concludes.