Operation FALCON targets fugitives in Florida
An operation that targeted violent fugitives, sex offenders and wanted gang members netted dozens of arrests across North Florida.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office took part in Operation Falcon 2007, which involved federal, state and local agencies in 23 counties from Pensacola to Gainesville, and 210 felony fugitives, including 19 sex offenders, throughout the region were arrested, according to a U.S. Marshals Service news release.
Nine warrants were served in Bay County during the operation last week, said Ruth Sasser, with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Two of the suspects arrested in Bay County were wanted in connection with a Lee County homicide. Carlos Zavala of Fort Myers was captured Aug. 21 and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm, the news release stated.
Sandra Hernandez, 39, was arrested Friday in Panama City Beach and charged with violation of probation (aggravated battery), the news release stated. She is considered a material witness in the Lee County case.
Zavala was wanted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and a U.S. Marshals team from Pensacola was sent to Bay County to find him. Task force members spotted Zavala on 17th Street in Panama City, the news release stated. Zavala was arrested without incident.