A fugitive attempted to escape under a Madisonville home using a trap door before being apprehended, according to authorities. Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones stated that on Tuesday, multiple law enforcement agencies executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Marietta Street. The male suspect tried to evade capture by entering a trap door in a closet, leading to a crawlspace beneath the house. Despite repeated commands from law enforcement and the use of CS gas, the standoff continued as the suspect refused to surrender.

As reported by WVLT, the tense situation called for reinforcements. The Blount County Sheriff's Office's SWAT team and K-9 were subsequently dispatched to the scene, closing in on the wanted man and effecting his arrest. The suspect now faces numerous charges including failure to appear on arson, felony evading arrest, and other offenses. In an incident unfolding, a woman present at the home was charged for her alleged involvement, receiving two counts of accessory after the fact in the backing of the wanted suspect.

A statement from the Monroe County Sheriff's office posted on social media expressed gratitude towards the cooperating agencies that included the Madisonville Police Department, Tenth Judicial Drug Task Force, and others for their collaborative efforts. "This is another example of great teamwork between agencies," Sheriff Jones remarked proudly.

No injuries were reported during the operation, and the names of those involved have not been released, abiding by policies regarding ongoing investigations, as reported by WBIR.