MUSKEGON COUNTY - The U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force in West Michigan says it's close to tracking down a wanted fugitive who's taking steps to avoid being caught.
29-year-old Jermese Hutcherson last had a run in with authorities in Muskegon Heights in mid-January according to Task Force Supervisor Steve Hetherington.
"There was a vehicle that the Muskegon Heights Police Department tried to pull over in Muskegon Heights," said Hetherington. "The vehicle went several block before it pulled over. The individual got out and ran basically right after the Muskegon Heights officer pulled him over."
Authorities say that individual was later identified as Hutcherson, who's been in hiding since.
"He's been out since that time as a fugitive," said Hetherington. "He knows we're looking for him."
Hutcherson's last conviction is Larceny from a Vehicle, but it's a track record of violent behavior that's made him a priority for the Fugitive Task Force.
"He has had some prior arrests," said Hetherington. "Some pretty concerning arrests, felony assault on a police officer."
Hetherington says the Fugitive Task Force is close to tracking Hutcherson down.
"We believe we actually saw him in the Muskegon Heights area within the last 2 to 3 weeks, and we just weren't able to catch back up with him in the vehicle that he was in," said Hetherington.
Now, the U.S. Marshals are hoping the right tip could put them in the right place, at the right time.
"You have to weigh everything when you're looking for these people obviously," said Hetherington. "There's public safety, you can't get into a vehicle chase. You know who the guy is sometimes, but is it worth the risk to the public to really find him that day."
Hetherington says the right tip could put them in a position to find and arrest Hutcherson in a safe manner.
"We've looked for him for several months now in the Muskegon/Muskegon Heights area," said Hetherington. "He obviously knows he's wanted so if anyone has any information, there is a reward for any information that could lead to an arrest."
Jermese Hutcherson, 29, is 5'6", 150 pounds.
Online records with the Michigan State Police detail past convictions for drug possession and drug dealing, along with larceny from a vehicle and assaulting a police officer.
If you have information on where Hutcherson may be, contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-926-8332.
