Murder suspect sought during recent incident

Sheriff Steve Page

On Aug. 15, 2024, a dramatic operation unfolded on Crossville Highway as the White County Sheriff’s Office mobilized multiple vehicles to serve a warrant in connection with a high-stakes investigation. Acting on intelligence suggesting a key individual linked to an ongoing probe was frequently visiting a local business, deputies approached the location with a mission in mind: to keep the community safe.

 According to Sheriff Steve Page, the target of their search was Jesus De-La-Cerda, a fugitive wanted on first-degree murder charges stemming from a tragic incident in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Reports indicated that De-La-Cerda had been involved in a violent altercation at a party in which he had shot multiple persons, killing at least one.

WCSO’s interest in the White County business was piqued by suspicious activity, including a cell phone linked to De-La-Cerda connecting to the internet on-site and a vehicle associated with an individual sharing the same last name was spotted in the parking lot of the business. Armed with this information, deputies, under the leadership of Sheriff Page, swiftly moved to apprehend the wanted suspect.

 Upon their arrival at the establishment, which was not open for business at the time, a person in the parking lot alerted deputies to the presence of an individual matching the name of the sought-after suspect inside the restaurant. Sheriff Page said that acting decisively, and according to protocol given the severity of the charges on the individual being sought, law enforcement personnel entered the premises through an open door and instructed all patrons to lie on the ground.

Sheriff Page commended the cooperation of the individuals present, acknowledging their willingness to assist law enforcement efforts despite the tense atmosphere.

It was determined that the individual matching the suspect’s name was not the wanted fugitive. However, knowledge that “De-La-Cerda” was an alias for the individual in question prompted authorities to request the individual’s voluntary participation in fingerprinting procedures.

 Following confirmation of his identity as not being the sought-after suspect, the individual was escorted back to the business on Crossville Highway by WCSO deputies. Sheriff Page emphasized that the operation’s procedures were conducted in line with the severity of the charges involved and expressed gratitude for the community’s support in upholding public safety.

“All of the individuals at the location acted respectfully, as did our officers,” Page said. “The entire situation is unfortunate, but thankfully we were able to do what we needed to do and assess the situation for any possible danger to our local community.”

While the hunt for Jesus De-La-Cerda continues, Sheriff Page said WCSO remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of White County residents.