For Immediate Release

Toledo, OH – Earlier today, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) and the Sandusky Police Department arrested Jackie McElroy (age 35) for homicide. McElroy was wanted on the homicide by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in Alabama. In June of 2009, McElroy allegedly shot and killed James Porter in Jefferson County, Alabama. Shortly after the homicide it is believed that McElroy fled Alabama for Ohio.

The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force in Birmingham, Alabama, developed information that McElroy was from the Sandusky area and had possibly fled there. On December 10, 2009, the U.S. Marshals NOVFTF Toledo Division and the Sandusky Police Department developed information that McElroy was hiding at a residence in the 1200 block of Monroe Street in Sandusky. The NOVFTF and Sandusky Police established surveillance of the residence. During the surveillance, NOVFTF and Sandusky Officers positively identified McElroy as he exited the home to the exterior of the house briefly and then re-entered the home. The decision was made to approach the residence and execute the arrest warrant. McElroy was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Erie County Jail to await extradition to Alabama. The Perkins Township Police Department also assisted the NOVFTF and Sandusky Police with the investigation. McElroy was also wanted by the Sandusky Police, Erie County Sheriff’s Department, and the Norwalk Police for traffic violations.

Detective Sergeant John Orzech of the Sandusky Police Department stated, “This is a great example of law enforcement working together, which directly led to the arrest of a very dangerous wanted felon.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force Toledo Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Clay Township Police Department, Delphos Police Department, Fort Shawnee Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Genoa Village Police Department, Holland Police Department, Lima Police Department, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, Pemberville Police Department, Toledo Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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