OHIO — A wanted federal fugitive was arrested Monday evening in Lake County after authorities said he attempted to flee from agents during a surveillance operation.
According to the Lake County Narcotics Agency (LCNA), agents were conducting surveillance with the Eastlake Police Department around 5:15 p.m. Monday when they located a suspect vehicle in a shopping center parking lot. The vehicle, a white Volkswagen Tiguan, was unoccupied at the time, and investigators believed the suspect, a 25-year-old man from Euclid, was inside a nearby store. Authorities did not release the suspect’s name.
LCNA said agents were aware the man was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on a weapons charge and also had an outstanding warrant from the Willowick Police Department for obstruction. Investigators also said the suspect had previously been involved in two drug-related fleeing and eluding incidents.
As the man exited the store and walked toward the vehicle, agents began positioning unmarked police vehicles around it. Authorities said the suspect noticed the officers and quickly entered the Tiguan in an attempt to flee.
Two LCNA agents used their vehicles to block the suspect’s car, though both unmarked vehicles sustained damage during the attempt to stop him. After his vehicle was blocked in, the suspect allegedly tried to run away on foot but was tackled by an agent and taken into custody.
Following the arrest, agents searched the vehicle and reported seizing several items, including a loaded Beretta 9mm handgun, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additional evidence was also collected.
The man was taken to the Lake County Jail and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and having a firearm while being a convicted felon. Authorities said additional charges will be presented to a Lake County grand jury at a later date.
He was arraigned Tuesday in Willoughby Municipal Court, where his bond was set at $500,000. The suspect remains in custody at the Lake County Jail.
