Travonte D. Griffin, age 37, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals-led Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) in Atlanta, Georgia, ending a manhunt that originated from a murder in Akron, Ohio. Griffin, on federal probation for prior weapons charges, was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Damere T. Boddie on October 15.
The response by Akron Police to reports of gunfire led them to find Boddie wounded on Mohawk Avenue. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Griffin's alleged connection to the murder spurred the issuance of a local arrest warrant, followed by a federal warrant from the Northern District of Ohio. Investigators, determined to quickly apprehend, gathered intel that pointed to Griffin's flight to Georgia. A collaboration between Ohio and Georgia authorities enabled to location of Griffin. He was found walking along a highway and arrested without incident.
The recovery of a firearm during the arrest adds to the gravity of the charges Griffin now faces. The suspect will remain in custody in Atlanta pending extradition to northern Ohio, where he will stand trial. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott applauded the cross-state effort, noting, "Although this fugitive fled hundreds of miles away, he is no match for the reach of the U.S. Marshals Service."
With the marshals' extensive network, even those who attempt to evade justice across state lines are found. Elliott highlighted the unwavering dedication of law enforcement, stating, "Investigators across the country work day and night ensuring that extremely violent fugitives like this are found and taken out of the communities they threaten." reported the U.S. Marshals Service.
The effective collaboration of multiple agencies was key to this arrest. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) Akron Division, which includes federal, state, and local agencies such as the Akron Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service, works together to manage and mitigate threats from fugitives. The public is encouraged to report any information regarding wanted fugitives by contacting the NOVFTF at 1-866-4WANTED, or by submitting a web tip, where they may remain anonymous and could be eligible for reward money.
