By Kirk Mitchell
The Denver Post
DENVER — Federal, state and local law enforcement officers have arrested 156 suspected violent criminals in a large-scale gang enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service called “Operation Triple Beam Colorado,” authorities say.
Among those arrested was Lester Bell, a reputed member of the Gangster Disciples, who was found in Boulder County and has been charged in a 2000 cold-case homicide in the San Diego area. Bell allegedly beat his victim to death with a baseball bat, according to a news release by Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Bunk.
On June 1 in Denver, members of the U.S. Marshals Colorado Violent Offender Task Force arrested Christopher Bynum on a charge of capital murder. Bynum allegedly had four guns, cocaine, heroin and marijuana in his possession at the time, according to officials.
The U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Colorado Springs police, Colorado Department of Corrections, Colorado Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents combined forces to arrest the 156 fugitives between May 15 and Aug. 10, Bunk’s news release says.
Law enforcement, along with United States Attorney’s Office prosecutors, targeted violent gang members and organizations, Bunk said.
“This joint operation had the added effect of strengthening the relationship among our local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts,” said David Weaver, U.S. Marshal for the District of Colorado.