39 arrested in Hardin Co. after major weekend crime sweep

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — Authorities from several agencies conducted a spring cleaning of sorts over the weekend in Hardin County.

“It’s just getting bad,” resident Wesley Cummins said.

Last Friday, both the police and sheriff’s department swept through the county, conducting surprise visits to sex offenders and those out on parole.

“About 65 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies that were local, state and federal conducted an operation of saturation within the city of Savannah and Hardin County,” TBI Spokeswoman Susan Niland said.

Thirty-nine people from 20 to 60 years old were taken into custody.

“Some of them were arrested on outstanding warrants. Some were on probation violations. In addition to that there were some drugs and weapons charges,” Niland said.

“Cops everywhere, just everywhere,” Cummins said. “I went by about two or three houses and they were busting in doors. Just a lot of police enforcement.”

With help from other agencies like the TBI and the Tennessee Department of Corrections, Savannah Police Chief Michael Pitts said it is an initiative he has been working on for some time. He hopes it will create a safer environment in the city and county.

“It’s been my home forever, and I don’t want to see it go downhill,” resident Shelby Franks said. “I want to see kids be safe on the streets.”

“There’s been a lot of shooting around the area, and they are starting to call it ‘new Memphis,'” Cummins said. “There’s a lot of drugs, and it’s too much for the area.”

Residents said although shocking, they are proud of their officers for being proactive.

“To me, it’s good. To me, we need it,” Cummins said. “It’s not going to be a small town — it’s going to be more of a drug town, trap town.”

Chief Pitts said he hopes this is a first of many sweeps throughout the county as they take a stand against crime.

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News has tried repeatedly to contact the sheriff’s department for comment and for information about those arrested, including their booking photos. However, phone calls and requests have gone unanswered.