INDIANA — Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across Indiana have launched a coordinated surge to disrupt violent street gangs, track down high-profile fugitives, and intercept regional narcotics pipelines.
The enforcement surge is part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s nationwide Operation Summer Heat 2.0. Now entering its second year, the tactical initiative is designed to run from June 1 through September 20—a window traditionally recognized by criminologists as the peak period for violent crime rates.
Summer is prime time for crime, according to Timothy O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office.
To mark the launch of the 2026 operation, the FBI announced a $10,000 reward on Wednesday, June 10, for any information leading directly to the apprehension of Lamar Browning. Investigators identify Browning as the final remaining fugitive at large connected to the “Crown Hill Enterprise,” a notorious Indianapolis-based illicit organization.
While large-scale federal operations often target major urban centers, federal authorities stress that the downstream effects of unchecked metropolitan violence aggressively spill over into surrounding rural and suburban communities.
When major drug networks’ operations go unchecked, the resulting addiction and territory disputes drive secondary property and transit crimes across county lines.
O’Malley warned residents will not see drug deals directly, but they will see the side effects, such as people stealing, theft rings, burglaries, and carjacking. If these crimes go unchecked, it spreads.
Measuring the Footprint of Operation Summer Heat
The structure of the Summer Heat initiative relies on embedding federal assets—including specialized FBI tactical teams and analytical intelligence—directly into local police departments and county sheriff’s offices to conduct high-impact warrants.
Data compiled from the inaugural 2025 summer campaign highlights the massive scale of the multi-agency partnerships:
| Enforcement Category | Nationwide Total (Summer 2025) | Indiana Specific Impact (Summer 2025) |
| Criminal Arrests | 8,600+ suspects | 114 violent offenders |
| Firearms Seized | 2,200+ weapons | 26 illegal firearms |
| Fentanyl Intercepted | Included in regional metrics | 9+ pounds (including heroin mixes) |
| Methamphetamine / Cocaine | 44,500 kg (Cocaine) | 10 lbs combined (8 lbs Meth / 2 lbs Cocaine) |
| Search Operations | 7,800+ completed warrants | Undisclosed localized tactics |
Public Assistance Requested
Federal agents are urging the public to serve as extra eyes and ears on the ground to help locate regional fugitives like Browning over the summer months.
Anyone with information regarding ongoing gang activity, illicit firearms trafficking, or the whereabouts of wanted federal dependents is urged to immediately contact the centralized FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). All tip lines remain confidential, and citizens are advised not to approach suspects who may be armed and dangerous.
