250+ 'Dangerous Fugitives' Arrested In NJ Crime Sweep

Hundreds of the nation's most wanted and dangerous fugitives were arrested last month in New Jersey, authorities announced.

The program, labeled "Operation Apex Hammer," invloved federal, state and local law working together throughout the Garden State to apprehend suspects wanted for homicide, armed robbery, assault, weapons trafficking and sex offenses involving children. While many areas were canvased, most arrests took place in Camden and Newark, according to the United States Marshals Office.

The arrest of 264 suspect offenders "sent a clear message," says Juan Mattos Jr., U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey. "This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to protect communities by targeting and removing the most dangerous individuals from our streets.”

A total of 31 suspects were arrested out-of-state, and another two were apprehended overseas. In its entirety, the group of 264 combined for 2,625 arrests before any were taken in again as part of "Operation Apex Hammer."

“I have seen firsthand the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement partners, and I proudly stand with them in this fight,” added Alina Habba, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. “Operation Apex Hammer is proof of what we can accomplish when we come together to drive violent crime out of our the U.S. Marshals Office:

Here is some information on notable arrests:

• "Lorenzo Benitez, 54, an illegal alien from Guatemala, wanted out of Keansburg for multiple counts of sexual assault, arrested June 4 in Plainfield.
• Darlin Franco-Guzman, 25, an illegal alien from Honduras, wanted out of Baltimore County for burglary and attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old female, arrested June 10 in Trenton.
• Stephen Bullock, 32, wanted for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 76-year-old woman in Camden County, arrested June 13 in Hi-Nella.
• Shawn Davis, 38, wanted for a 2024 homicide in Trenton, arrested June 13 in Brooklyn, New York.
• Luis Duval-Jimenez, 31, wanted for attempted murder after he ran over a South Brunswick police officer with his vehicle in May 2025, arrested June 18 in North Arlington.
• Trasuf Bennett, 20, and a juvenile accomplice, wanted for the drive-by shooting murder of a 20-year-old male victim in Milleville, arrested June 19 in Trenton.
• Francisco Ruiz, 67, wanted for sexual assault by contact, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal restraint, arrested June 20 in Bayonne."

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