Fugitive With Florida Warrant Arrested At Air National Guard Gate

EAST GRANBY, CT — A suspected fugitive from justice with an active warrant out of Florida was taken into custody on an extradition arrest late Thursday morning at the Connecticut Air National Guard security gate on Route 20.

Around 11:38 a.m., personnel from the Connecticut State Police Troop H substation at Bradley International Airport were summoned to assist Air Guard Security Forces. John Culpepper, 55, of East Hartford, had traveled to the base to inquire about renewing his military ID. Air Guard personnel subsequently conducted a check on Culpepper, at which point it was discovered that he had an active felony arrest warrant out of Escambia County, Fla. for violation of probation, state police said.

Culpepper was positively identified by his Connecticut license, and he explained to troopers he was aware of his charges in Florida but believed the matter had been resolved. State police verified the arrest warrant was extraditable and confirmed with Florida authorities that they would take custody of Culpepper from Connecticut, according to state police.

He was held on a $250,000 bond and was slated to appear Friday in Hartford Superior Court.