Operation Guardian: 21 Arrests in Child Exploitation Case

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Twenty-one individuals were arrested in Snohomish County“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The arrests were part of a multi-agency operation targeting child exploitation“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The operation was conducted by the Washington State Patrol reports“null”
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  The operation was dubbed 'Operation Guardian'“Dubbed “Operation Guardian,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate.”
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  The operation involved the WSP Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF)“Dubbed “Operation Guardian,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate.”
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  The operation involved the Edmonds Police Department“The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Edmonds Police Department, local Snohomish County law enforcement agencies, and several state and federal partner agencies.”
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  The operation involved federal partners“The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Edmonds Police Department, local Snohomish County law enforcement agencies, and several state and federal partner agencies.”
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  The arrests followed a multi-day investigation into alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of children“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  Snohomish County prosecutors will review cases to determine charges“The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will review the cases to determine which potential criminal charges will be filed.”
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  The WSP's MECTF has made nearly 400 arrests since 2015“Since the first operation in August 2015, the legislatively funded MECTF has netted nearly 400 arrests and removed numerous children from danger across the state because of police intervention.”
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  Chief John Batiste stated, 'Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers.'“"Our detectives worked tirelessly with our local and federal partners to identify and arrest those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community," said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. "Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers, and we will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly."”
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  The operation was conducted in Snohomish County“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The operation was not conducted in Yakima“null”
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  A separate incident involved a drive-by shooting on SR 509 near Cloverdale“At approximately 6:00 PM on June 29, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a 9-1-1 call from an individual reporting that they had been shot at SB SR 509 near Cloverdale.”
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  The drive-by shooting occurred on June 29, 2026“At approximately 6:00 PM on June 29, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a 9-1-1 call from an individual reporting that they had been shot at SB SR 509 near Cloverdale.”
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  A Dodge Ram pickup driver reported being shot at by a red Jeep with female occupants“The victim was driving a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup and advised they were traveling SB SR 509 when a red Jeep pulled alongside his driver’s side as the rear male passenger was making hand gestures prior to firing a handgun at his vehicle. The suspect vehicle had a female driver and a female front passenger and continued south on SR 509.”
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  The victim was not injured“The victim advised that they were not injured and had gotten off the freeway to wait for a trooper to contact.”
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  Detectives seek information to identify the vehicle“Detectives are seeking information to help identify the suspect vehicle.”
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  The Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County has burned 1,500 acres“The Lambdin Fire started on June 29, 2026, at approximately 10:20 a.m. This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing.”
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  The fire prompted Level 3 evacuations“Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  The fire threatens homes, power lines, and crops in Walla Walla County“It is burning in grass, sage, agricultural crops, and Mid-Columbia Wildlife Refuge grounds and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and standing wheat.”
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  The fire is not in Yakima“null”