LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — The search for Donte Parker, a wanted fugitive sought by Elyria Police, ended late Friday morning after more than five months.
This comes after Elyria Police said they were called to check out Riverside Drive and 11th Street just before noon following a reported sighting of Parker.
When police arrived, they found Parker leaving the back of a nearby home.
That’s when body camera video from the Elyria Police Department showed the moments Officer Juker ran into the woods to try and catch Parker, who was finally arrested in the Black River after an eventful chase.
Nearby neighbors like Topeka Taylor said they’re relieved to know Parker is off the streets and is facing multiple charges, including escape.
“My daughter heard something the other day, and we thought it was a deer coming up, and she was like, 'Mommy, do you hear that noise? It’s really, really loud' and I’m like ‘Okay girl, let’s go in the house,'” said Taylor. "Kinda relieved to know that he’s off the streets now."
While Taylor isn’t sure if the noise her daughter heard came from Parker, police said they’ve been looking for him for months since he was taken into custody at a residence on Washington Avenue and then escaped while handcuffed.
Authorities said Parker crossed the Black River, but despite extensive search efforts, he was not located at that time until Friday.
"Officer Juker’s persistence and determination led to the safe apprehension of a violent fugitive who posed a significant threat to our community. His commitment reflects the dedication of the Elyria Police Department to public safety and the pursuit of justice," Elyria Police Capt. Bill Lantz said.
Watch more about his escape:
RELATED: Elyria Police continue search for escaped suspect
