North Vernon, IN—Tuesday, in the early morning hours, deputies with the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team-Counter Drug Unit were investigating the whereabouts of Michael A. Thomas, a subject wanted out of Jackson County, Indiana for an arrest warrant for Battery.
Thomas has a lengthy violent criminal history, including allegations of pistol-whipping a female acquaintance then holding her against her will as well as drug-related crimes. Deputies had received recent information that Thomas knew he was wanted and would attempt to evade deputies while making comments that he would not go back to prison. With the assistance of the Indiana National Guard/Counter Drug Unit Helicopter, Thomas was located in a home that alleges to have an illegal drug history along with the homeowner, Russell Cathey.
Deputies arrived at the location and made contact with Cathey, as well as several other individuals. While on the scene, surveillance units advised the officers that a vehicle that was at the residence earlier was now back in the area, but quickly tried to leave the area upon seeing law enforcement presence. The deputies were able to stop this vehicle. Thomas was located in that vehicle where he was taken into custody without incident. The investigation revealed that as deputies arrived at the residence, Thomas fled into the woods and had been picked up by the vehicle which was later stopped by Jennings County deputies.
As the investigation continued at the scene, Russell Cathey was found to be in possession of a baggie of Methamphetamine. Cathey was then placed under arrest. Cathy and Thomas were both transported to the Jennings County Jail. The investigation continues and more arrests are anticipated.
