From the FBI”
FBI Chicago and Partners Seek Public Assistance Locating “Chicago Most Wanted” Fugitives Following Operation Summer Heat
As part of a nationwide surge of resources, FBI Chicago along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have partnered to launch the “Chicago Most Wanted” fugitives list following the successful apprehension of 25 subjects as part of the Operation Summer Heat initiative.
During Operation Summer Heat, FBI Chicago partnered with the Illinois State Police (ISP), Chicago Police Department (CPD), Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, and others to select the most dangerous individuals wanted for violent offenses by their respective agencies. Chicago’s “Summer Heat” operational period from August 11-15 yielded the successful apprehension of 25 subjects without injury to the subjects, law enforcement, or the public.
With the conclusion of Operation Summer Heat, law enforcement is now seeking the public’s assistance to help locate seven (7) violent fugitives featured on the newly launched “Chicago Most Wanted.” Each are considered a threat to public safety and face felony charges to include murder, carjacking, or aggravated battery. Reward money is available to incentivize the public to submit tips about the whereabouts of these individuals. As of September 10, Calvin Hutchinson was successfully captured by the Menasha Police Department in Wisconsin.
- Aron Barcenas – First Degree Murder
- Julio Caesar Bernal – First Degree Murder
- Nesta Gray – Murder
- Calvin Hutchinson – Murder – Captured
- Gary Luellen – Carjacking
- Joseph Matos – First Degree Murder
- Giovanny Portillo – Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery
- Antonio Stigler – Murder
“The FBI is utilizing every available tool in our arsenal via our local, state, and federal law enforcement partnerships to bring violent criminals to justice and keep our communities safe,” said FBI Chicago Field Office Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta. “Together, we are signaling to criminals that there will be no refuge or safe haven from law enforcement’s reach.”
“Operation Summer Heat ensured that individuals charged with violent offenses would be brought into custody to face justice for their actions,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
“The arrests in this operation send a clear message that federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Chicago area will work together to protect our communities by finding violent offenders and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“One of the most powerful weapons we have in fighting violent crime is coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The partnerships between our agencies enabled us to get some of the most violent offenders – those charged with homicide and habitual gun offenses – off the streets, making our communities safer.”
“Partnership is the cornerstone of holding violent offenders accountable as we work to make our neighborhoods safer,” said CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling. “As we work with fellow law enforcement on these criminal investigations, we are asking the public to come forward with any information they have to assist in the apprehension of these suspects.”
“Joint operations that leverage the resources of law enforcement agencies at all levels help ensure safer neighborhoods for the people of Cook County—especially when those who wreak violence and chaos on our streets are brought to justice,” said Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart.
“We look forward to continued partnerships with the FBI and our colleagues in state and local law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.”
To help bring these subjects to justice, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report emergencies to local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may elect to remain anonymous.
