Obvious Stalling, Lack of Stealth Lead to Apprehension of Wanted Man

The family members of a wanted man did what they could to stall deputies, but the man's own lack of stealth played a major part in his apprehension.

On Nov. 13, Barrow County Sheriff's deputies went to a Yargo Lane home in order to serve an outstanding felony warrant for probation violation on Tommy Edward Fowler, age 26.

Deputies were met at the door by members of Fowler's family.

"They stated that [Fowler] was not at the house," the deputy wrote in the arrest report. "While standing on the front porch I saw a large dog at the door. They would not let us inside until they put the dog up. They stalled us at the door for a few minutes."

While waiting to be let inside, the deputy heard noises that sounded as if someone were climbing around in the attic. Once the family members exited the home, one of the people at the scene admitted Fowler was hiding in the attic.

"We entered the house and cleared the rooms," the deputy noted. "The attic stairs were folded up and raised, confirming my suspicion that someone was helping him hide."

Deputies opened the attic door and announced their presence, giving Fowler commands to exit the attic. Fowler complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

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