A multi-jurisdictional five-month search for a Smithfield man accused of multiple armed robberies and aggravated sexual battery ended with his being taken into custody on July 30 at Bradford Mews Apartments.

According to Smithfield police, 39-year-old Malcolm Shearn, who faces nine felony charges in the city of Hampton, was arrested without incident in a coordinated effort by the U.S. Marshals, Virginia State Police, and Smithfield and Hampton police departments.

Hampton’s Police Department said on its Facebook page on July 17 that Shearn was “known to frequent Hampton and Smithfield” and had “repeatedly chosen Hampton to target women on dating websites.”

According to court records, he faces four counts of armed robbery, three counts of abduction by force, one count of aggravated sexual battery by force and one count of shooting or stabbing in the commission of a felony. The charges, all in Hampton, pertain to a spree of crimes reported in February and July.

Smithfield Police Sgt. Robert Herget said Hampton Police had executed a search warrant at Shearn’s apartment in February, followed by an arrest warrant, in connection with multiple robberies that month. Hampton Police involved the U.S. Marshals after investigating another string of robberies in July.

It was the Marshals who were able to track Shearn as being back in Smithfield on the day he was arrested, Herget said.

“The Smithfield Police Department utilized its Emergency Response Team to ensure the operation’s success and safety,” Smithfield’s Police Department said on its Facebook page following the July 30 arrest. “Smithfield Police Department commends the teamwork and professionalism of all agencies involved, this operation exemplifies the strength of our collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety of our communities.”

Shearn is due to appear in court in Hampton on Aug. 5.