Hunter captured after eluding deputies for several weeks

A man who had eluded law enforcement officers for more than five weeks was apprehended June 22.

Casey Hunter, 34, of Sparta, failed to show up for a court date, on May 13, 2022, which led to White County Sheriff’s Office searching for the man who was already facing several charges.

According to information from WCSO, Hunter had been served a pick-up indictment for manufacture, deliver, sell, possession of schedule VI drugs; possession of a weapon (convicted felony drug offense); simple possession/casual exchange; possession unlawful drug paraphernalia; possession of firearm w/intent to go armed (dangerous felony); and manufacture/deliver/sell/possession w/intent – meth.

Reportedly, Hunter was arrested on the pick-up indictment and posted bond but failed to report to court, on May 13.

According to White County Sheriff’s Office, White County deputies responded to a call of a possible break-in in progress, on June 22, 2022, in the eastern portion of White County.

Reportedly, an anonymous tip provided to law enforcement officers led to the subject being identified as Casey Hunter. White County Sheriff Steve Page requested an automated phone call sent out to residents in the area where Hunter had last been seen.

Law enforcement officers then reportedly surrounded the area and began searching for Hunter. K9 Deputy Jake Simmons, who was among those involved in the manhunt, initiated K9 Kilo to begin tracking the suspect.

After several hours of tracking, along with deputies searching the area, Hunter was located, apprehended without incident, and placed under arrest by Sgt. Rob Thompson. Hunter was then transported and booked into White County Jail.

Additional charges may be pending.

Assisting in the search were Sheriff Steve Page, K9 Deputy Jake Simmons, Sgt. Rob Thompson, Maj. John Meadows, Maj. Richard Lynch, Capt. Nate Theiss, Lt. Blankenship, K9 Deputy Travis Bates, numerous WCSO detectives and deputies, and Cookeville City Special Operations Unit.

“I would like to thank all of the people involved who worked together to assure that the wanted subject was apprehended and that the community was protected,” Sheriff Page said about the cohesive effort of all those involved in the search. “Also, thanks to Mid-South Truss and Supply who supplied water to all involved.”