PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – Sean Christopher Williams, a 52-year-old wanted fugitive, was apprehended in Pinellas County, Florida, following a month-long manhunt. The arrest occurred after a local 7/11 clerk, Tasha Baumgartner, recognized Williams from a wanted poster.
Baumgartner noticed Williams when he entered the store to purchase a hot dog. Suspicious, she discreetly followed him outside and then contacted the police, informing them of Williams’ presence. This tip led to his subsequent arrest.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had issued an alert for Williams, who faced multiple charges including rape of a child, especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and aggravated sexual battery in Tennessee. Additionally, he was indicted on federal charges of child sexual exploitation and firearms offenses.
Prior to his capture, Williams had been on the run since escaping custody in Tennessee. He was initially apprehended in Kentucky after an escape attempt in Washington County, Tennessee. On October 18, while being transported to a federal courthouse in Greeneville, Tennessee, he managed to flee.
The FBI’s field office in Knoxville and local authorities in Pinellas County collaborated in the manhunt. Williams’ capture was facilitated by a K-9 unit in Florida, which tracked him down after he abandoned a stolen car and his belongings upon being spotted by law enforcement.
Williams is now awaiting trial for his charges in both state and federal courts. The swift action of the 7/11 clerk and the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies were crucial in apprehending this fugitive.