Columbus police rolled out a fresh batch of wanted photos yesterday as Day 2 of "Operation Turn Up the Heat" continued the department's social-media push ahead of Red, White & BOOM. The Division highlighted several people with active warrants tied to violent offenses and again asked the public to help track them down. The update included instructions for submitting tips and phone numbers for both the Columbus Division of Police and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Names the department highlighted
According to the Columbus Division of Police Facebook post, the individuals the division named include Andrew Saxton (wanted for strangulation), Brett Saultz (wanted for strangulation), Katrina Toles (wanted for weapons under disability and robbery), Clemson Saintilus (wanted for abduction) and Jack Harper (wanted for illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone). The post, part of Day 2 of the initiative, was paired with photos intended to help the public recognize the suspects. Police asked anyone with information to use the Division's tip resources rather than confronting anyone directly.
Why police are using social media
The Division has run "Operation Turn Up the Heat" in recent summers to push out mugshots and crowdsource tips in the lead-up to major Fourth of July gatherings. As timed to remove violent offenders from public view before Red, White & BOOM, the initiative typically unfolds over several days. Police say using social channels broadens their reach and has generated useful leads in past years.
How to report tips
The post directed tipsters to call the Division's non-emergency line at (614) 645-4545, according to the department's Facebook post. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers lists its tip line as (614) 461-TIPS (8477) and accepts anonymous online submissions at Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Authorities routinely caution that members of the public should not try to detain or confront wanted individuals themselves, as the U.S. Marshals Service advises, "Do not attempt to apprehend any of these fugitives yourself."
Legal note
An outstanding warrant means a judge has authorized an arrest, but it is not a determination of guilt, as not a finding of guilt. Tips sent through official channels help investigators check information so cases can move through the standard legal process.
