A Mississippi inmate who escaped is now barricaded inside a restaurant in Chicago’s Near West Side, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The inmate, Joshua Zimmerman, is wanted for murder and armed robbery. He has an arrest warrant in Harris County, Texas, for murder. Zimmerman escaped from the DeSoto County Circuit Court Building in Mississippi on June 14.
On Tuesday evening, Zimmerman was found barricaded inside a restaurant at 2325 West Madison Street. The Chicago SWAT team has surrounded the area, and the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the situation around 8 p.m.
Authorities reported that Zimmerman is alone in the restaurant, and no innocent people are at risk. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to his capture.
Zimmerman is described as 5-foot-11, weighing about 210 pounds, with tattoos on his neck and arms. He is believed to have shaved his beard since escaping.
DeSoto County deputies held a press conference, stating that the ongoing situation in Chicago is being managed by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Chicago Police Department. They also mentioned that they have been working closely with various agencies for 68 days to resolve this case.
Officials are focused on extradition plans and hope for a resolution soon. The case has attracted significant media attention, with major networks and public figures closely following the developments. The authorities remain committed to bringing the situation to a successful conclusion.