Over 260 Violent Fugitives Arrested in Massive New Jersey Sweep

Federal authorities, working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, say 264 violent offenders were arrested in the span of about one month in New Jersey.

Operation Apex Hammer Targets High-crime Areas

"Operation Apex Hammer" focused on areas with high rates of violent crime and outstanding felony warrants with most arrests taking place in Camden and Newark.

Those catching the eye of officials were those wanted for homicide, armed robbery, assault, weapons trafficking, and sexual offenses involving children.

According to the U.S Marshal's Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, in addition to the arrests of 17 homicide suspects and 95 gang members, a total of 14 illegal guns were seized.

Of the 264 arrested, 31 were captured out-of-state and two overseas. Those 260-plus fugitives combined for a total of 2,625 prior arrests.

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Notable Arrests Highlighted by Officials

Officials highlighted some of the more noteworthy arrests:

• 54-year-old Lorenzo Benitez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, wanted out of Keansburg for multiple counts of sexual assault, was arrested on June 4th in Plainfield

• 25-year-old Darlin Franco-Guzman, an illegal alien from Honduras, wanted out of Baltimore County for burglary and attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl, was arrested on June 10th in Trenton

• 32-year-old Stephen Bullock, wanted for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 76-year-old woman in Camden County, was arrested on June 13th in Hi-Nella

• 38-year-old Shawn Davis, wanted for a 2024 homicide in Trenton, was arrested on June 13th in Brooklyn

• 31-year-old Luis Duval-Jimenez, wanted for attempted murder after he ran over a South Brunswick police officer with his vehicle in May 2025, was arrested on June 18th in North Arlington

• 20-year-old Trasuf Bennett and a juvenile accomplice, wanted for the drive-by shooting murder of a 20-year-old man in Millville, were arrested on June 19th in Trenton

• 67-year-old Francisco Ruiz, wanted for sexual assault by contact, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal restraint, was arrested on June 20th in Bayonne

"Never stop pursuing"

U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos, Jr., said in a press release,

Operation Apex Hammer sent a clear message. The U.S. Marshals and our partner agencies will never stop pursuing those who threaten the safety of our communities. This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protect communities by targeting and removing the most dangerous individuals from our streets.

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Task Force Includes Dozens of Agencies

The U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force is comprised of dozens of law enforcement agencies on multiple levels, including New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Corrections, numerous county prosecutors and sheriffs' offices, and police departments of some of the state's largest cities.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.