Operation Felon Hard Times Nets 252 Arrests, Clears Hundreds of Warrants in Harris County
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A month-long multi-agency effort targeting violent fugitives resulted in hundreds of arrests and cleared warrants across the region, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Dubbed “Operation Felon Hard Times,” the initiative was conducted throughout April in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities said the operation led to 252 arrests and the clearance of 381 warrants involving charges ranging from murder and sexual assault to aggravated robbery and crimes against children.
“These operations require planning, intelligence, teamwork and trust,” said Undersheriff Tommy Diaz. “Every day a violent fugitive remains at large is another day they might harm someone.”
Notable arrests included:
- Corey Comeaux, 24 — Wanted for the March 24 shooting death of 31-year-old Joseph Manuel Jr. in Beaumont. He was located April 8 in the Houston area by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force. Authorities said Comeaux had made threats to engage in a shootout with law enforcement. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $1.5 million bond.
- Carlos Sanchez, 43 — Charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting his stepdaughter. Investigators said the incident was tied to a dispute involving an illegal rooster-fighting operation. He was arrested April 10 and remains in the Harris County Jail.
- Luis Antonio Aguilar Nava, 34 — Wanted in connection with a fatal stabbing in Pasadena on April 14. He was located at a motel in southeast Houston and taken into custody April 15 without incident. He is being held without bond.
- Joe Nathan Ball, 33 — A fugitive from Kitsap County, Washington, wanted on charges including sexual assault of a minor, family violence and harassment. Ball was located in Spring and surrendered after law enforcement surrounded the residence. He is awaiting extradition.
Officials said the operation underscores the importance of coordination between local, state and federal agencies in locating and arresting dangerous offenders.
“At the center of every warrant served is a victim and a survivor whose life was forever altered,” Diaz said. “These arrests will not erase the harm done, but they stop further violence and bring our community one step closer to healing.”
Authorities said similar operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and hold violent offenders accountable.
