Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's ``Operation Clean Sweep''.

CLEVELAND -- Thirty-seven fugitives were arrested today at a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority property as part of an on-going program called "Operation Clean Sweep."

The CMHA Police Department joined forces with the U. S. Marshal Service's Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Taskforce and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to round up the fugitives at 4:00 a.m.

"The goal of "Operation Clean Sweep" is to secure the safety of residents and let everyone know we will not permit our properties be a haven for people who want to hide from the law," said George A. Phillips, executive director of CMHA.

Most of those arrested live in Cedar Estates, located at E 30th St. between Cedar and Central avenues. "Operation Clean Sweep," which began last year, targets individuals living in or frequenting public or subsidized housing properties who have active felony or misdemeanor warrants.

Since the operation began, 176 persons have been arrested. Many of those individuals were residents of CMHA. However, some of them were residents from communities throughout Cuyahoga County. Last year, during Phases I, II, and III of Operation Clean Sweep, Garden Valley, Woodhill Homes and Lakeview Housing properties were targeted.

Anthony Jackson, CMHA's Chief of Police, said "Operation Clean Sweep" is an ongoing operation and that arrests will likely be made at other CMHA properties throughout the year. The persons arrested today were wanted for crimes ranging from theft, to drug offenses, to traffic violations. The agency will move quickly to begin eviction proceedings against any CMHA residents arrested for violent crimes or drug activity, Philips said.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of any fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4 WANTED. Callers will remain anonymous.