Escaped inmate Joshua Zimmerman arrested near DNC after dodging cops by ‘posing as restaurant worker’ for over 70 days

A FUGITIVE who has evaded law enforcement officials since escaping custody two months ago has been arrested at a restaurant near the site hosting the Democratic National Convention.

The shirtless criminal wanted for armed robbery and attempted murder charges in Mississippi was involved in an overnight standoff with Chicago police less than a mile from the United Center.

AP:Associated Press

AP:Associated Press

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Joshua Zimmerman, 30, who had been missing for nearly 70 days, surrendered to police on Wednesday morning after he had barricaded himself inside a seafood restaurant in Chicago late Tuesday.

DeSoto County Sheriff’s officials in Mississippi were notified that Zimmerman was spotted in the Windy City on Tuesday and attempted to flee into the ceiling of the restaurant, according to Chief Deputy Justin Smith.

However, authorities were able to barricade Zimmerman in and eventually carry out his arrest.

At the time, the 30-year-old was the only person inside the building.

The US Marshals Service believe the escapee found work at the restaurant and became an employee while evading authorities, as per CNN .

It is not immediately clear why Zimmerman fled to Chicago, however, the restaurant’s location was near the Democratic National Convention site.

Despite their “close proximity,” there was reportedly “no connection or threat to the event or those attending.”

During the standoff, Deputy Smith held a news conference , giving details on the situation.

“We’ve been working diligently for 68 days, alongside various organizations, to bring this case to a close,” Smith said.

“We are eager to return Zimmerman to our detention facility so we can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his escape.

The deputy said they’re trying to gather information on the crime and why he fled, claiming Zimmerman is at “the center of the puzzle.”

“We’re parsing together information, and he’s the center of the puzzle, so having him in our hands will give us some really good leads on how all this transpired and if he did have assistance.” the DeSoto County deputy continued.

ZIMMERMAN’S INITIAL ARREST

Zimmerman, who was wanted for robbery and murder , escaped from the DeSoto County Courthouse in Hernando, Mississippi, on June 14.

According to Deputy Smith, the prisoner was meant to appear in court for his hearing that day.

He reportedly changed his jumpsuit into civilian clothing before fleeing the scene.

We are eager to return Zimmerman to our detention facility so we can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his escape.

Chief Deputy Justin Smith DeSoto County District Attorney's Office

Zimmerman was wanted in three states: Texas , Connecticut , and Mississippi, as per the Facebook page of the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office.

The incident of attempted murder and armed robbery reportedly took place in Southaven, Mississippi, on September 29, 2023.

CBS affiliate WREG-TV reported that Zimmerman allegedly robbed an elderly woman.

Additionally, he reportedly faces charges from Houston, Texas, after he was allegedly involved in a woman’s murder that occurred last September.

His high-profile case has garnered substantial media attention from various networks and public figures, including Dog the Bounty Hunter .

AP

AP