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.
-
Indianapolis woman shares story after surviving a rare SCAD heart attack
An Indianapolis woman who survived a rare heart attack is sharing her story ahead of the Go Red for Women Luncheon, where survivors and advocates will raise awareness about women's heart health.
Lawrence Central’s Lola Lampley selected for McDonald’s All-American Games
Lawrence Central senior Lola Lampley became the only Indiana player, male or female, selected to play in the 2026 McDonald's All-American Game.
Creators sue Trump Admin officials for removing ICE monitoring platforms
Several app creators are suing Trump Administration officials, challenging the removal of ICE monitoring platforms on social media sites and citing their first amendment right to free speech.
Crews cleaning up after melting snow in Marion County reveal a lot of litter
Beneath the melting snow in Marion County, litter has been piling up, but crews are stepping in to clean it before we get to spring.
