Fugitive apprehended in Cherokee County

THOMAS DENNIS

Investigators from the Cherokee County Sheriff's office and the U.S. Marshal's office apprehended FBI fugitive Thomas Dennis March 31.

Sheriff James Campbell was wanted on federal weapon and drug charges and had traveled to Cherokee County from Omaha, Neb. to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Officers observed a blue 1983 Ford pickup truck, believed to match the description of Mr. Dennis' vehicle. The truck had pulled into the driveway of a residence in the area and recognized Mr. Dennis standing near the driver's door.

At that time, investigators exited their vehicles and began ordering Mr. Dennis to the ground. Mr. Dennis entered the driver's door of the still running truck and began backing up at a high rate of speed. Investigators fired two shots into the front tire of Mr. Dennis's truck in an attempt to disable the vehicle and prevent him from injuring himself or one of the officers.

Mr. Dennis's truck was not disabled to the point that he could not continue his escape. At that time, officers entered into a vehicle pursuit with Mr. Dennis which ended at the intersection of CR 1816 and CR 1815 when Mr. Dennis wrecked his vehicle while trying to maneuver a turn. At that time, Mr. Dennis exited his vehicle and began fleeing into the nearby woods. He was pursued on foot and apprehended in the area.

Mr. Dennis was transported to the federal holding facility in Tyler, where he will await transport back to Omaha.