Columbia City, IN -  On Tuesday, December 7, 2020 a cooperative effort between the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police- Fort Wayne, and the West Virginia State Police, led to a Whitley County fugitive being tracked down and successfully apprehended in McDowell County, West Virginia. 

On November 5, 2020 the Whitley County Circuit Court issued a felony arrest warrant for Jeffrey Lamont Johnson, 46, of Columbia City, IN for (1) count of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 Felony.  Initial attempts to locate Johnson were unsuccessful, as he had reportedly fled the state to avoid apprehension.After learning that Johnson had fled the state, WCSD Detective Justin Yagel reached out to Indiana State Police Master Trooper Joe McLaughlin and Master Trooper Brian Kreger to initiate a search for Johnson. 

Ultimately the assistance brought forth by an Indiana State Police Communication's Dispatcher and her diligent efforts led the trooper's search to a residence in McDowell County, West Virginia.  Troopers then reached out to the West Virginia State Police for further assistance, and within hours Johnson was located and taken into custody by the West Virginia State Police without incident.Johnson is currently being held in the McDowell County Regional Detention facility pending extradition back to Indiana. 

The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department is currently making the necessary arrangements for Johnson’s transport back to Indiana.  Once returned, Johnson will be held in the Wells County Jail under a $300,000.00 surety bond as ordered by the Whitley County Circuit Court.