The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a fugitive who they said escaped from the DeSoto County Courthouse Friday morning, where he had been scheduled for a hearing.
The sheriff’s office said Joshua James Zimmerman was arrested by Southaven Police and charged with several felonies, including attempted murder. He was being held at the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center ahead of his morning hearing.
According to the DeSoto County Jail records, Zimmerman is charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, taking a motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, receiving stolen property, and fugitive from justice. He was being held originally on a total of $1,075,000 bond, according to jail records.
“Our Fugitive Apprehension Team is actively searching for Mr. Zimmerman, and I am confident we will apprehend him,” said Sheriff Thomas Tuggle in a statement. “We will be waiting for him at the Adult Detention Center.”
At 6:25 p.m. on June 14, the Sheriff's Office released the following statement:
"As of now, we believe suspect, Joshua James Zimmerman, has left the immediate area. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office will not stop searching for Zimmerman. He will be apprehended. Please share this post and if you come into contact with Zimmerman, do not approach him. Please call authorities immediately. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will update the public and news media of any developments."
The sheriff said anyone who may be providing aid to Zimmerman will be charged with a felony.
Zimmerman is listed as 5'11" and 210 lbs. Though his mugshot does not have a beard, the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office said he did have a beard at the time of his escape.
Anyone with information on where he can be found is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately, or call the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office at 662-469-8000.
