Wlaf1450LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – This just in to WLAF News. The fugitive wanted in Georgia and other states who was spotted in a parking lot in La Follette late on Thursday has left Campbell County.
La Follette Police Investigator Matthew Forsyth informed WLAF around 7:30 am Friday morning that it’s been confirmed that the fugitive made contact with someone, likely by telephone, and was given a ride out of Campbell County. “We want the public to know that he is no longer in our county,” said Forsyth.
A Georgia man wanted on a parole violation, among charges from other states, was spotted in Campbell County around sunset Thursday afternoon.
La Follette Police Investigator Matthew Forsyth told WLAF News, “He was seen in a parking lot and fled on foot about 5:30 pm today. So far, we’ve been unsuccessful in locating him which makes us think he’s gotten a ride, and he’s out of the area.” Forsyth did not think the fugitive was armed.
“The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office has been a huge help to us this evening, and we really appreciate their assistance,” said Forsyth. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search with its AirWatch unit hovering over Campbell County. K-9 officers with LPD and the CCSO have also been involved in the hunt.
“We believe he has some sort of ties here. We’ve been searching in the vicinity of the La Follette Country Club area,” said Forsyth.
UPDATE:
Some members of the search team involved in the man hunt scoured east La Follette until after 2 am Friday. Around 8:30 pm Thursday, three young men drew attention from law enforcement when they were caught shining a light at the search helicopter from a west La Follette fast food restaurant parking lot.
Officers continue to be on alert today for the fugitive. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/03/2020-8:45PM-UPDATED 12/04/2020-7:30AM))