After nearly two years on the run, a fugitive search in south Georgia ended in a decidedly cramped hiding spot. Deputies say a woman wanted on a felony bench warrant was arrested Monday after they found her tucked inside an air-conditioning return vent built into the floor of a Moultrie home. Investigators say they tracked her down after following up on a tip and executing a search warrant, bringing the long search to a close without a struggle.
How deputies say they found her
According to WALB, the Grady County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post that the person found in the vent was identified as Kayla McKenzie, who had an outstanding felony bench warrant. Deputies said they secured a search warrant for the Moultrie residence after getting a tip, then discovered McKenzie inside the floor air-conditioning return vent. The sheriff's office told the station she was taken into custody without incident.
Assistance from a neighboring county
Grady County deputies got some backup from the Colquitt County Sheriff's Office during the operation, WSB-TV reports. The station said deputies executed the warrant on Monday and that McKenzie had been managing to avoid law enforcement for nearly two years. Officials told WSB-TV she will face charges tied to the outstanding bench warrant.
Charges and next steps
Local coverage indicates that McKenzie faces charges connected to the felony bench warrant, although details about the underlying case remain sparse, Atlanta News First reported. Authorities have not released further information about the warrant or any upcoming court dates, and booking and court records are expected to spell out the specifics once they are filed with the clerk.
What officials said about the tip
Officials told reporters the arrest came directly from a community tip, a reminder that information from residents can help close long-running fugitive searches, according to WALB. Authorities say people with information about similar cases are generally encouraged to contact the Grady County Sheriff's Office or their local law enforcement agency.
