Erie Police Highlight 30 Arrests in Operation Empty Chamber

October 18, 2012 - Erie Police continue to crack down on chronic violent offenders, dozens now face charges from alleged crimes over the last few months.

    Between June 22 and October 10, Erie Police have made significant arrests, charging 30 individuals with various crimes.

    At a news conference this morning, Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin says that the 30 defendants who face charges were arrested under Operation Empty Chamber.

    Chief Franklin says these violent offenders face charges including aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking, firearms violations, robbery and receiving stolen property.

    Several of the alleged criminals highlighted by Erie Police were charged with firearms violations.

    This year, Chief Franklin says a little more than 100 illegal guns have been taken off the streets.

    There are two men that are still wanted by Erie Police.

Damar Jordan is wanted in connection to a homicide, and Jose Luis Valesquez is wanted for a stabbing.

"We are targeting people who pose the most risk to our community," said Chief Steve Franklin. "If they're involved in firearms, if they're involved in shootings, if they're involved in stabbings or aggravated assaults where the victim is beaten, we want to get these people off the streets."

In the last week alone, Chief Franklin says that 8 robbers have been taken off the street.