![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/06816aff-cb6a416d-Handcuffs.jpg\")
article <\/p>\n article <\/p>\n
FILE – Handcuffs sitting on a table. (Bernd W\u00fcstneck\/picture alliance via Getty Image)<\/p>\n
BIG SPRING, Texas – A two-day surge operation targeting violent crime in West Texas resulted in 40 arrests and the seizure of multiple illegal firearms, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Big Spring violent crime surge operation <\/p>\n
The Targeted Violent Crime Operation, conducted on April 17 and 18 in Howard County, brought together local, state, and federal agencies to saturate high-crime areas and disrupt felony activity.<\/p>\n
According to state officials, the initiative focused heavily on removing weapons from prohibited persons, including juveniles, violent offenders, and convicted felons.<\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
“DPS remains committed to working alongside law enforcement partners to protect Texas communities and hold violent offenders accountable,” the department said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Those arrested were booked into the Howard County Jail on a wide range of charges. Those charges include unlawful carry of a weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance and marijuana, evading arrest, felony and misdemeanor warrants and false identification.<\/p>\n
During the sweep, authorities also identified one criminal gang member and referred one person to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).<\/p>\n
What we don’t know:<\/p>\n
Officials with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety did not release the names of those arrested.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information in this article is from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office.<\/p>\n
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