BY CAROLYN P. SMITH - News-Democrat
No boundaries in Illinois or Missouri will stop the police from finding metro-east violent crime suspects.
That was the message from Illinois State Police headquarters in Collinsville Thursday when officials touted the results of Operation WAVE, which started Nov. 16. WAVE stands for Working Against Violent Elements and local, state and federal agents are on the team.
Illinois State Police Capt. Todd Kilby said all law enforcement officials, including prosecutors in Illinois as well as Missouri, are working together to remove individuals from the streets who are committing violent crimes, selling illegal drugs and toting illegal guns. He said law enforcement officials on both sides of the river are sharing information in an attempt to make it impossible for law offenders to hide.
He called on the public to get more involved to make their communities safer.
The unit has taken 56 guns off the streets in two months. St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus, who has several deputies participating in the detail, said, "Maybe 56 guns doesn't sound like a lot to some people. But, with them off the street, the community is much safer. They are not in the wrong hands."
Joe Beliveau, commander of the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, said the group of men who are participating in WAVE are a dedicated group who really are working long hours to make a difference for the residents living in and around East St. Louis.
Since Operation WAVE started, there has been only one homicide. That homicide was the result of a store owner on Bond Avenue shooting a would-be robber who entered the business with accomplices. Those accomplices were charged with his death.
Madison County State's Attorney William Mudge told reporters "getting the guns off the street is key."
Kilby announced that thanks to the cooperation between police officials and business owners, a new billboard that will advertise the picture of any person wanted for a violent crime is now up at Interstate 55-70 at Collinsville Avenue in East St. Louis. Kilby said Mid America Outdoor Advertising has helped law enforcemnt with the billboard.
On Wednesday, the crime-fighting team made 35 arrests.
East St. Louis Police Chief Lenzie Stewart thanked all of the law enforcement officers who are participating in the detail.
Stewart said he has not seen such calm "in my 40 years on the police department."
