Officers: Fugitive Under Arrest

A fugitive is under arrest after an officer involved shooting on Wednesday morning.

43-year old Kenneth Jones and 23-year old Christina Otwell were arrested after leading several agencies on a short pursuit.

The search began in Columbia County, Arkansas and found its way to Springhill, Louisiana.  Following a joint task force operation in Springhill involving the US Marshals Service, the Arkansas and Louisiana State Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department.  

US Marshals Fugitive Apprehension task force members initiated a search at a Springhill residence for Jones, who is reported to have a history of violence against law enforcement and was considered to be dangerous and potentially armed.

During the search deputies say Jones and Otwell drove a truck from the scene in reverse, followed on foot by a deputy US Marshal.  Jones was then reported to have shifted the truck in drive in an attempt to run down the marshal, who ultimately opened fire on Jones to stop the threat.

Jones and Otwell fled the scene again and a brief pursuit began and then ended quickly when the truck crashed into a wooded area.  Officers chased Jones on foot and eventually apprehended him and Otwell.

A preliminary search of Jones’ truck revealed a variety of materials known for use in manufacturing methamphetamine as well as an illegally possessed weapon.  The truck is in possession of the Webster Sheriff’s Department for further processing. Warrants were obtained for both Jones and Otwell for the charges of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamines with bond amounts of $500,000.00 each.

Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department booked Jones on the criminal conspiracy warrant, with additional charges including attempted first degree murder of a police officer, aggravated flight from an officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Otwell was arrested for criminal conspiracy.

“The day’s events could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life,” said Webster Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Bobby Igo.  “I am thankful that the officers’ training and instinct kicked in and that everyone returned from the operation unharmed.  Subjects like Jones, who will take aggressive action at all costs to escape apprehension, are an incredible threat to law enforcement; and quick and appropriate action to counter such a threat is vital.”

Acting U.S. Marshall Tommy Hancock says "The task force's job is to take those criminals off the street. It's a dangerous job. I commend all the officers that were involved. Our officers were not injured. The suspect was not injured. I always say 'you can run but you can't hide.' and that's what happened to this guy today."