Missouri – Governor Mike Kehoe celebrated a major milestone for Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) just over four weeks after Missouri started its regional anti-crime campaign. Part of his Safer Missouri plan, ORP was started on April 7 and has so far resulted in 148 arrests or helped arrests of people sought on felony charges. Of those, state troopers and local deputies working directly under ORP made 112 arrests; 36 more were caught with ORP’s assistance. In total, these initiatives eliminated 251 open warrants, hence removing dozens of long-sought fugitives off Missouri’s streets.
From the beginning, ORP intended to target the most hazardous criminals by collecting information and collaborating across county borders. January statistics revealed almost 17,600 active felony warrants statewide, a backlog that raised major public safety concerns.
Nine regional teams—each partnering a Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control officer with a local sheriff’s deputy—took up the responsibility of tracking these fugitives down under Executive Order 25-02. Joined by at least 24 sheriff’s offices, 11 police departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service, these teams have come together in 37 counties as of May 4 to conduct arrests.
Those detained faced charges from narcotics trafficking and burglary to serious crimes including rape, kidnapping, and voluntary manslaughter. Officers confiscated six weapons throughout the operation and six events called for SWAT action when suspects barricaded themselves. From Adair and Audrain in the north, through Boone and Franklin in the central corridor, to New Madrid and Pemiscot down south, counties with ORP activity cover the state.
Many instances show ORP’s influence. One of the operation’s first targets in Pulaski County was wanted on five drug-related charges; once officers captured that suspect, they discovered and arrested three more fugitives sheltering in the same house, one of whom was in possession of methamphetamine at the time. In Howell County, a parole absconder who had evaded capture for over 12 years was finally taken into custody. In Platte County, ORP worked with the U.S. Marshals Service to apprehend a domestic assault suspect attempting to escape via a bedroom window, so charging him with resisting arrest by flight.
“We are extremely impressed with the outstanding work of our joint crime-fighting teams of Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and sheriffs’ deputies across the state,” Governor Kehoe said. “It has been incredible to see the enthusiasm that law enforcement agencies have for Operation Relentless Pursuit and how many more agencies are joining, or planning to join, these efforts. Taking felons off the streets is dangerous work, but officers are, once again, running toward danger to keep others safe.”
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ORP’s leadership—including DPS Director James, Patrol Colonel Michael Turner, and U.S. Marshals from both districts—recently gathered to evaluate initial results and map the next stage under plans to grow with more agencies showing interest.
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To maintain the program’s pace, Governor Kehoe has asked for money in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to assist regional deputy liaisons and pay local overtime expenses. The Missouri Department of Public Safety will post future updates and data for residents eager to monitor ORP’s development.
Members of the public with information that could lead to the capture of a Missouri fugitive can share it with the ORP team at this link.
More details and statistics are available here.
