Law enforcement authorities have intensified their search for fugitive Joshua Zimmerman, who has been on the run since June 14 after escaping from the DeSoto County Circuit Court Building in Mississippi.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Service tracked Zimmerman to a Chicago restaurant, where he barricaded himself inside. As of late Tuesday night, the standoff continued, with the Chicago SWAT team surrounding the location.
The investigation into Zimmerman’s escape has been extensive, involving collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.
“We have been diligently working for 68 days with multiple organizations to resolve this case,” a DeSoto County spokesperson said. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we have kept details under wraps to prevent the spread of misinformation.”
Authorities are now focused on extraditing Zimmerman and are optimistic about reaching a resolution soon.
“We are determined to return Zimmerman to our detention facility so we can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of his escape,” the spokesperson added.
The case has attracted significant media attention, with coverage from major networks and public figures like Dog the Bounty Hunter following the developments closely. The spokesperson acknowledged the widespread interest, stating, “This is a significant event, and we are committed to bringing it to a successful conclusion.”
Zimmerman was charged with the 2023 murder of a woman in Houston, Texas. He was arrested on September 29, 2023, in Mississippi on additional felony charges, according to media.
These charges included attempted murder, armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, and car theft.
Zimmerman escaped custody while being escorted to the DeSoto County courthouse for a hearing alongside other inmates.
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DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton explained that Zimmerman managed to slip away from the group, change his clothes, and remove his shackles. Surveillance footage captured Zimmerman leaving the courthouse wearing khaki pants and a white shirt.
