Fairview Heights police find ‘dangerous’ fugitive walking dog in hotel parking lot

Fairview Heights police apprehended a “violent, armed and dangerous felon” in woods outside a local hotel on Tuesday, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

Officers had received information about a Missouri fugitive named Jared H. Combs, who was believed to be at the Super 8 hotel at 45 Ludwig Drive. He was described as a 39-year-old white male.

Combs had felony warrants issued by Franklin County, Missouri, for sex assault (sodomy 2nd degree), kidnapping, domestic violence and possession of a controlled substance.

“He frequently carried a firearm as a convicted felon, was suicidal, under the influence of narcotics, was known to make bombs and assault law enforcement,” the post stated.

According to the post;

• As officers closed in on Combs about 10 a.m., they saw an opportunity to arrest him while he was walking his pit bull in the hotel parking lot.
• He resisted arrest and fell backward into a deep ravine.
• Combs was Tased as he attempted to escape but made it to nearby woods.
• Officers set up a perimeter line and called for help from other agencies, K-9 units, drones and air support.
• About an hour after the search began, a drone spotted Combs.
• He was taken into custody without incident, just northwest of railroad tracks.
• Police found a loaded semi-automatic firearm where Combs had fallen in the ravine and a second gun in his hotel room.
• He was transported to the St. Clair County Jail.

“These officers risked their lives to bring the violent suspect into custody to keep others safe,” Police Chief Steve Johnson stated.

“Using smart police work, law enforcement was successful. We thank all of the agencies that responded with police officers for the perimeter, K9’s and fire department for the additional drones.”

This story was originally published November 12, 2024 at 2:13 PM.