Law enforcement in Franklin County is searching for 57-year-old Matthew Armentrout, who investigators say tore through an active construction zone at more than 100 miles per hour on the far west side of the county in November 2024. Court filings show Armentrout was arrested after that incident and booked, but officials say he later failed to appear in court and is now wanted on a parole violation. Federal and local partners are working together as authorities try to nail down where he is.
According to NBC4, the U.S. Marshals Service has teamed up with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to track Armentrout. Michael Black told the outlet, "People are not prepared for a car to be driving over 100 miles per hour," a reminder that a construction zone can turn into a danger zone in a split second when someone floors it.
U.S. Marshals join the search
The U.S. Marshals routinely partner with state and local agencies when a fugitive case gets more complicated or crosses jurisdictions. Materials from the U.S. Marshals Service note that marshals-led fugitive task forces clear large numbers of outstanding warrants each year by pooling investigators, tips, and technology under one coordinated operation.
What investigators say
Court filings and reporting indicate deputies tried to pull Armentrout over in November 2024, but the driver allegedly hit the gas instead, accelerating into the work zone at triple-digit speeds. Prosecutors say he then attempted to strike a deputy with his vehicle. After losing control of the car, he reportedly ran off on foot before officers took him into custody. He was booked on counts that include felonious assault, obstructing official business, and failure to comply with an order or signal, according to AOL.
Charges and legal status
Prosecutors say the case involves felony charges tied to the alleged attempt to hit an officer and the high-speed attempt to escape. Court records show Armentrout failed to appear after being ordered back to court. AOL's Warrant Watch summary mirrors the filings and notes that his last known address is listed as the streets of Adamsville in Muskingum County. The Adult Parole Authority is seeking him on a parole violation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about Armentrout's whereabouts to contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office tip line at (614) 525-3333 or call 911. They stress that members of the public should not try to approach him. For local contact details or to submit a tip online, visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office website.
