Franklin County Sheriff's Office Completes Operation Unity

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 it responded to growing concerns about stolen vehicles, calls about shots fired and assaults during the 12-hour operation that took place Thursday in Prairie and Franklin townships.

The operation reported the following results:

• 123 road checks
• 64 quotes
• 14 felony arrests
• 20 arrests for misdemeanors
• 11 firearms in illegal possession
• 8 grams of cocaine seized
• 11 grams of fentanyl seized
• 10 grams of methamphetamine seized
• 3 people referred for treatment
• Arrested theft at Sheetz

The release said one of the weapons seized was a gun that had been stolen from Houston, Texas, five days before the raid.

“This highlights the fast-moving and organized nature of criminal networks, which can quickly distribute stolen guns on the streets of central Ohio. Thanks to the hard work of Operation Unity, these dangerous weapons are now gone from our streets,” the statement said.

The Sheriff's Office thanked the following agencies for their work: Franklin Township Police, Columbus Division of Police, Columbus City Attorney's Office, Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, City Clerk of Franklin County, Franklin County Chiefs Association and Prairie. Municipal board of directors.

“The collaborative efforts of everyone involved demonstrate the significant impact of Operation Unity in improving community safety,” the release concluded.