GUILDERLAND — Police here apprehended at least seven fugitives convicted of felonies and misdemeanors while participating for the first time in a program the governor has dubbed "Operation Rolling Thunder."

For five days, beginning on March 21, a coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies fanned out to look for fugitives.

Governor George E. Pataki announced the initiative during his 2005 State of the State Address.
"It was very successful," said Lt. Curtis Cox of the Guilderland Police Department.

Cox told The Enterprise that Chief James Murley called Operation Rolling Thunder "an effective tool" in capturing wanted criminals. The Guilderland Department dedicated three officers at various times throughout the duration of the program, Cox said. He also cited the pooling of resources as the key element to rounding up so many criminals.

The Guilderland Police Department plans on participating in Operation Rolling Thunder in the future.
"It puts together all aspects of systems"so that no stone is left unturned," said Cox.

Among those apprehended by the Guilderland Police and arrested at Town Hall during the operation were:

— Daniel J. Davidson, 21, of 336 South Pearl St., Albany, arrested on March 23 was wanted on a warrant from Guilderland for fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor;

— Cozetta J. Jackson, 19, of 89 Grant St., Albany, arrested on March 23 was wanted on warrants from Guilderland for petit larceny and false impersonation, both misdemeanors;

— Mathew R. Juk, 34, of 1112 McClellen St., Schenectady, arrested on March 23 was wanted on warrants from Guilderland for fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, both misdemeanors;

— Tishama Harewood, 23, of 185 South Pearl St., apartment A, Albany, arrested on March 23 was wanted on warrants from Guilderland for fifth-degree stolen property and petit larceny, both misdemeanors;

— Delcina C. Johnson, 23, of 64 Morris St., Albany, arrested on March 25 was wanted on warrants from Guilderland for fourth-degree possession of stolen property, second-degree forgery, both felonies, and petit larceny, a misdemeanor;

— Frank M. Thompson, 51, of 50 Delaware St., Albany, arrested on March 23 was wanted on warrants from Guilderland for fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and petit larceny and passing checks with insufficient funds, both misdemeanors;

— John M. Coons, 48, of 1817 Cassella Rd., Schenectady, arrested on March was wanted on warrants from Guilderland for resisting arrest, a misdemeanor.