After a months-long manhunt that spanned across Ohio, the United States Marshals Service has reported the capture of John Lamar Armstrong, a 50-year-old man wanted for a series of grim allegations, including aggravated murder and rape. The fugitive, who had been evading authorities since early this year, was arrested in Dayton, Ohio, after task force members from both the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) zeroed in on his location.
According to a press release by the U.S. Marshals Service, the case began to unfold when Juvar King, aged 46, was reported missing in February after failing to pick up his daughters. East Cleveland Police Department discovered King's body on March 17, on the corner of Chapman Avenue and Terrace Road, where he was found shot in the head. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner determined the death a homicide. In the aftermath, authorities identified Armstrong as a suspect in the murder, and a warrant for aggravated murder was subsequently issued by the East Cleveland Police Department. Additionally, Armstrong became a suspect in the rape of a juvenile, with a warrant issued in May by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
The dramatic arrest took place after the NOVFTF developed information that Armstrong had fled northeastern Ohio. On making their approach to apprehend Armstrong, officers were met with gunfire from within the residence on the 3600 block of Delphos Ave. A single shot was fired from inside the dwelling and out the front door towards the officers. SWAT was activated and took over the operation, resulting in Armstrong's capture. Despite the gunfire, only one officer suffered a minor laceration to the leg, with no serious injuries reported.
“This violent fugitive fled from Northern Ohio to Dayton and then took drastic actions that put our task force members lives at risk," U.S. Marshal Michael Black commented on the arrest. "Our task force members are experienced and well trained to operate in chaotic and dangerous situations like today." His sentiments were echoed by U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott, who praised the collaborative work of the state's officers, stating via the U.S. Marshals Service, “Our fugitive task force is comprised of the best officers from all over the state of Ohio. Outstanding collaborative efforts by both U.S. Marshals task forces in northern and southern Ohio resulted in a dangerous fugitive being taken off the streets today.” Armstrong is currently in custody awaiting extradition back to northeastern Ohio to face the charges against him.
In an effort to continue the pursuit of justice, the Marshals encourage anyone with information about wanted fugitives to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for reward money. For more updates on such cases, the public can follow the U.S. Marshals Service on Twitter @USMSCleveland.
