INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Sheriff's Office continued Operation Watchful Eye on Wednesday with a sex offender sweep in Pike Township on the northwest side of Indianapolis.
The sweep resulted in 17 compliancy checks, three warrant service attempts, two warrant arrests for failure to register and a new investigation was opened for failure to register, according to the sheriff's office.
Last week, the sheriff's office started Operation Watchful Eye to check on the more than 1,800 sexual and or violent offenders in the county. The office focused its efforts last week near Brookside Park.
When WRTV spoke with the Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal last week, he said they were going to continue the operation this week.
There are currently 1,825 sexual or violent offenders living in Marion County, 52% of which were convicted and sentenced from another state or another county, according to the sheriff's office. That figure is up from 42% a year ago.
Forestal said he believes part of the reason is because of the number of residents in Marion County.
"It's easier to hide here. If you live in Tipton they're going to know you. If you come and mix among 900,000 to one million people you may not," Forestal said.
He also says he believes there are too many programs conveniently located by the State government within Marion County saying they can use the bus lines.
Marion County residents can search for registered sex offenders living in their neighborhoods on the sheriff's office's website.
WRTV Senior Digital Content Producer Andrew Smith assisted with this report.
-
Tyrese Haliburton scolds father for postgame fracas after Pacers eliminate Bucks
Haliburton says he had a talk with his dad and doesn't agree with what happened. He adds, “I don't think my pops was in the right at all.”
Indiana Fever to kick off preseason with ‘pack the plaza’ diaper donation drive
The Indiana Fever are excited to tip off their preseason this Saturday, but before the game begins, fans are invited to help local families in need through a special diaper and wipes donation drive.
State funded oxygen therapy program for veterans ends April 30
A state program meant to help struggling Indiana veterans will end on April 30, WRTV Investigates has learned.
Hoosiers share potential impact of cutting crisis lines, LGBTQ youth services
A leaked budget draft reportedly revealed plans to get rid of the lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services. The program is funded through the USDHHS and could be on the chopping block in October.
