Violent fugitive captured on Onondaga Nation

ONONDAGA NATION, NY — A high-violence fugitive wanted for a string of brutal robberies and stabbings was captured without incident during a coordinated operation on the Onondaga Nation, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Jeffrey Smoke Jr., 44, was taken into custody along with two other suspects following an escalation of violence over the previous 24 hours.

The Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs granted official permission for the sheriff’s office to enter the Nation’s territory, initiating an immediate joint operation involving road patrol, the Criminal Investigations Division, special enforcement, school resource officers and SWAT teams.

Investigators believe Smoke was likely to commit a homicide or force a violent confrontation with deputies if not immediately stopped.

Smoke has an extensive history including robberies, arsons and assaults, according to the sheriff’s office.

On April 9, victims were lured to a residence where one was stabbed in the neck and another attacked with a baseball bat, authorities said.

In February, multiple victims were lured via Facebook under the ruse of purchasing drugs, resulting in violent robberies and stabbings, according to the release.

On Feb. 4, Smoke allegedly assaulted a driver to prevent them from complying with a police stop, then led deputies on a high-speed pursuit.

The sheriff’s office believes there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Smoke and co-conspirator Jessica Manzi frequently used Facebook to lure individuals to their residence under the pretense of selling drugs, authorities said.

Smoke was charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Jessica M. Manzi, 36, was charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Shane Bucktooth, 43, was charged with first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Anyone who has been a victim of Smoke is asked to contact the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division at 315-435-3081.