U.S. Marshals Task Force Seeking Assistance in Capture of Escapee

Crestview, FL - The U.S. Marshals North Florida Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office are requesting the public’s assistance in locating escaped felon Mansel Swaney aka “Billy Swaney.” Swaney has local ties to the Okaloosa area. Swaney, who is 41 years old, is wanted in Kansas City, Missouri on a parole violation warrant after serving time for a conviction of armed robbery. Swaney is now also being sought by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for Domestic Violence and the Escape charge.

Swaney was last seen at approximately 10:30 this morning in the vicinity of his residence located at Santee Road in Crestview; after being arrested for domestic battery charges. Swaney then escaped from a patrol car after slipping his handcuffs from behind his back to the front and managed to climb out of the rear passenger window. Swaney was wearing only black and white boxer shorts and nothing else. Swaney was tracked by dogs from the Florida Department of Corrections to a marshy area in the area of Auburn Road in Crestview; before they lost the trail.

Although un-armed at the time of his escape, Swaney is a multi-state offender and has a long criminal history including armed robberies, armed burglaries, kidnapping and several escapes. Swaney is to be considered dangerous and should not be approached by the public.

Swaney is a white male; approximately 5’ foot 8” tall, and weighs about 160 pounds, has brown shoulder length hair and brown eyes and reportedly has some facial hair. He also has multiple tattoos on both his arms and legs. More than likely, Swaney will have numerous scratches all over his body from being in the marshy area that was heavily wooded.

If anyone has information on Swaney’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact the U.S. Marshal’s Office in Pensacola at (850) 554-6602, U. S. Marshals Headquarters at 1 800-336-0102 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS (8477); or your local law enforcement agency.