Authorities have successfully captured Joshua Zimmerman, a 30-year-old Mississippi inmate who had escaped from the Desoto County Jail on June 14. Zimmerman, who was being held for armed robbery and attempted murder, had managed to evade authorities for two months before being found barricaded in a seafood restaurant in Chicago.
The US Marshals Service, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed Zimmerman's capture but did not provide specific details regarding the circumstances of his arrest. It remains unclear whether Zimmerman was armed during the incident or if anyone was injured in the process.
Zimmerman's presence in Chicago, just blocks away from the Democratic National Convention venue, raised concerns about potential threats. However, the US Marshals Service clarified that there was no connection between Zimmerman's actions and the event.
According to reports, Zimmerman is also wanted in Texas for a murder allegedly committed in September 2023, as well as for a parole violation in Connecticut. The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force positively identified Zimmerman at the seafood restaurant where he was believed to be working, leading to his apprehension.
Despite the proximity of DeSoto County, Mississippi, where Zimmerman escaped, to Memphis, the exact details of his journey to Chicago remain unknown. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office expressed hope for Zimmerman's extradition to face the charges against him.
It is yet to be determined whether Zimmerman had any connections to Chicago or what prompted his decision to flee to the city. The swift action by law enforcement agencies in locating and apprehending Zimmerman highlights the collaborative efforts to ensure public safety and bring fugitives to justice.
