News Release

COLUMBIA CITY — A Whitley County man wanted on suspicion of drug dealing has been found in West Virginia.

Jeffrey Johnson

According to an Indiana State Police press release, on Tuesday, Dec. 7, a cooperative effort between the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police-Fort Wayne and the West Virginia State Police led to a Whitley County fugitive being tracked down and successfully apprehended in McDowell County, West Virginia.

On Nov. 5, the Whitley County Circuit Court issued a felony arrest warrant for Jeffrey Lamont Johnson, 46, Columbia City, for one count of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony. Initial attempts to locate Johnson were unsuccessful as he had reportedly fled the state to avoid apprehension.

After learning that Johnson had fled the state, WCSD Detective Justin Yagel reached out to Indiana State Police Master Trooper Joe McLaughlin and Master Trooper Brian Kreger to initiate a search for Johnson. Ultimately the assistance brought forth by an Indiana State Police Communications Dispatcher and her efforts led the troopers’ search to a residence in McDowell County, West Virginia. Troopers then reached out to the West Virginia State Police for further assistance, and within hours, Johnson was found and taken into custody.

Johnson is currently being held in the McDowell County Regional Detention facility pending extradition back to Indiana. Once returned, Johnson will be held under a $300,000 surety bond as ordered by the Whitley County Circuit Court.