FBI-Led Las Vegas Criminal Apprehension Team Arrests Violent Fugitives

LAS VEGAS—On March 14, 2013, the Las Vegas Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT) Task Force arrested Harvey Merriweather, who was wanted in Portland, Oregon, for bank robbery. Merriweather is a career criminal and on federal probation for bank robbery. CAT received a tip that Merriweather fled to Las Vegas after committing an armed bank robbery in Portland, Oregon, on March 11, 2013. Merriweather was located and arrested without incident by CAT.

The CAT Task Force is an FBI-led federal fugitive task force consisting of the FBI Las Vegas Division, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), and Henderson Police Department (HPD).

CAT was created in January 1992 and pursues criminals wanted for violent felony charges from Las Vegas, as well as those who flee to other jurisdictions. They also assist other agencies in apprehending suspects who flee to Las Vegas to evade law enforcement. The task force utilizes various investigative techniques and procedures to locate and apprehend these violent fugitives.

The types of offenders pursued by CAT are suspects who are wanted for homicide, robbery, sexual assault, child abuse, and gun related offenses. All of the crimes have a connection to violence.

From January 1992 to December 31, 2012, CAT has made 11,760 arrests, of which 635 were suspected murderers. These fugitives have been apprehended in 11 countries, 43 states, and Washington DC. In 2012, CAT made 413 arrests and of those arrested 43 were homicide suspects. From January 1, 2013 through February 28, 2013, CAT has made 66 arrests and of those arrested, 12 have been homicide suspects.

Anyone with information on fugitives wanted by the FBI is urged to call the FBI in Las Vegas at (702) 385-1281 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.