San Antonio, TX – Lance Stephens was arrested by the U.S.
Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) this evening on
charges involving escape from a county jail and felon in possession of a
firearm.
Stephens, 29, was wanted by the Barry County
Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Cassville, MO. Earlier this month, a state
warrant was issued for Stephen’s arrest when he and two other inmates
allegedly escaped custody from the BCSO jail. The other inmates had
since been captured, but Stephens remained at large. Earlier today, a
federal warrant was issued for Stephen’s arrest involving felon in
possession of a firearm. During the investigation, members of the U.S.
Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force (MWVFTF) determined
that Stephens fled Missouri to hide out in Texas. As a result, the LSFTF
was requested to assist in his apprehension.
This evening, Deputy U.S. Marshals (DUSMs)
located Stephens at a hotel in the 6500 block of West Military Avenue,
here in San Antonio.
Stephens was arrested without incident and is
currently being held in custody at the Karnes County Detention Facility
while awaiting extradition to Missouri.
“Stephens fled one state to another in an attempt
to avoid capture,” said U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau. “Due to the
persistence and collaborative efforts of deputies and task force
officers, avoiding capture was not possible.”
Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task
Force (San Antonio):
New Braunfels Police Department
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
Bexar County District Attorney’s Office
Texas Office of the Attorney General
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office
of the Inspector General
Immigration & Customs Enforcement – Office of
Detention & Removal
U.S. Marshals Service
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found
at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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