For Immediate Release

Toledo, OH – On Thursday March 11, 2010, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Chanchez Stewart (age 23) for homicide and assault with intent to murder. Stewart was wanted by the Detroit Police Department in Michigan. In August 2009, Stewart allegedly shot two persons in the face, killing Michael Saphr. Shortly after the homicide it is believed that Stewart fled Michigan for Ohio.

The U.S. Marshals Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team in Michigan developed information that Stewart was possibly traveling to and from the Detroit area to Toledo, Ohio. On Thursday March 11, 2010, the U.S. Marshals NOVFTF Toledo Division developed information that Stewart was possibly hiding at a residence in the 4200 block of North Lockwood Street in Toledo. The NOVFTF established surveillance of the residence. During the surveillance, NOVFTF developed further information that Stewart may also be residing at a house on West Park Street in Toledo, Ohio. Surveillance was also established at that location. The decision was made to approach the West Park Street residence and execute the arrest warrant. Stewart was taken into custody at the West Park Street residence without incident and transported to the Lucas County Jail to await extradition to Michigan.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Great teamwork between our Task Force and Detroit’s Task Force is what led to getting this dangerous fugitive into custody. I applaud all that worked on this case and contributed to this safe and successful apprehension.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force Toledo Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Clay Township Police Department, Delphos Police Department, Fort Shawnee Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Genoa Village Police Department, Holland Police Department, Lima Police Department, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, Oregon Police Department, Pemberville Police Department, Toledo Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service.

For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov.