TERRE HAUTE —
Hours after issuing a news release urging caution in regard to a fugitive, authorities located the wanted man but details of his Wednesday evening pursuit were limited.
Clark Cottom, chief deputy of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, said about 10 p.m. that fugitive Justin Compton, 26, had been located earlier that evening and a foot pursuit occurred with shots fired. No officers were injured in the incident, and Cottom said the investigation has been turned over to the Indiana State Police.
Cottom said Compton had not been arrested but declined to comment on Compton’s condition, referring questions to the ISP. Dispatchers at the ISP Putnamville Post declined to comment as the investigation remained under way.
According to the release issued earlier Wednesday, Compton — who has multiple tattoos, including “white pride” on the right side of his neck, “Compton” on the inside of his left arm, and demonic faces and a skull on his upper right arm — had appeared for a sentencing hearing in the Vigo County Courthouse last week when he suddenly exited the courtroom, jumped from the second-floor rotunda and fled the building. He was not in police custody when he appeared for the hearing.
Detectives spoke with family members who advised that Compton reportedly has a terminal illness, and fled because his sentence is longer than his life expectancy.
Cottom said family members reported that Compton had vowed that he will not die in prison.
A search for Compton had been ongoing since he fled, but police decided to issue the public alert when it was learned that Compton may have been in possession of a handgun.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Justin Compton (Submitted photo)
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Justin Compton (Submitted photo)
Discussion
Police chase fugitive; shots fired but details few
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