U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Arrests Gainesville Attempted Murder Suspect

Fugitive Located near Motel in Virginia

Gainesville, FL – Last night, combined efforts of the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force led to the arrest of Justin Jones. Jones, 24, was wanted by the Gainesville Police Department for (1) attempted felony murder, (2) robbery with a firearm, and (3) possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Gainesville Police Department determined Jones and two other men approached the victim outside the victim’s northeast Gainesville house on the morning of April 10. Jones pointed a gun at the victim while the other men took the victim’s wallet and jewelry. When the victim tried to run into his house, Jones shot the victim multiple times. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force – including investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Gainesville Police Department - determined Jones fled Gainesville soon after the shooting. Task Force members later developed information that Jones had fled to the Hampton, Virginia area in an attempt to avoid capture. Task Force members in Gainesville contacted the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force in Norfolk for assistance. Through investigation, Task Force members learned Jones was staying at the motel located at 1905 Coliseum Drive in Hampton and initiated surveillance of the area. At approximately 10:30 p.m. last night, Task Force members spotted Jones walking near the motel and placed him under arrest on his outstanding warrant. Jones was booked into the Hampton City Jail.

Gainesville Police Chief Tony Jones (same last name but unrelated to the suspect) thanked the U.S. Marshals for their help in capturing this fugitive. “This person is now behind bars where he belongs because of the teamwork between the Marshals and local law enforcement,” said Chief Jones. “This arrest shows the dedication of all law enforcement officers when it comes to finding dangerous criminals.”

For additional information, please contact Deputy U.S. Marshal Bryon Carroll at (352) 672-8065.

The Gainesville Division of the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force is sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service and is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Levy County Sheriff's Office, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Chiefland Police Department.