City police operation nets 91 arrests
8/3/2001Ninety-one people were arrested and about $1,000 in crack cocaine and marijuana was confiscated during a nearly 15-hour drug sweep from Wednesday to yesterday by Toledo police in the 800 and 1400 blocks of Oakwood Avenue, the 1300 block of Page Street, and an apartment building at 1 Winthrop St.
Six people were arrested on felony drug-related charges and 26 others were arrested for misdemeanor offenses, such disorderly conduct, loitering, and obstructing official business. Fifty-eight people were served outstanding misdemeanor warrants and one person was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant.
“I think anytime you have 90 arrests - even though a lot of those are warrants - I'd say it's a good day,” said Capt. Don Kenney, who oversees the department's special enforcement bureau.
The sweep, conducted by officers assigned to the vice/narcotics, directed patrol, and gangs units, started about 11 a.m. Wednesday and concluded about 1:30 a.m. yesterday. It targeted street dealers and included a search of two residences at 1318 Page and 1467 Oakwood.
At the Page residence, officers seized $300 in drugs, a handgun, and drug paraphernalia. During the search at the Oakwood residence, several people ran from the house when police arrived, but they were quickly apprehended. About $100 in drugs and drug paraphernalia was seized.
Vice Lt. Dan Schultz said police targeted the “open-air market” because the warmer and drier weather the last few weeks brought an increase in street dealers.
“They have been a nuisance to residents just by hanging out in groups, by drinking, by leaving trash, and by playing loud music,” he said, adding that the sweep was intended to send the dealers the message that they will not be tolerated.
This was the third sweep by police in less than two months. The first occurred more than a month ago at 1 Winthrop; the other took place about a month ago in the area of Page and Yates streets. Authorities said they would conduct similar sweeps in the future.