Published: July 18, 2008 04:22 pm      

Floyd SWAT team catches fugitive

James D. Wright, 27, wanted for multiple burglaries, caught in Clarksville

The Floyd County SWAT team on Thursday surprised a suspected wanted on several burglaries across multiple counties and two states.

James D. Wright, 27, of Jeffersonville was captured in a car at River Chase Apartments in Clarksville during a sting operation. Police said Wright had been on the run for nearly a year.

“It seems like every time we were able to get close to him he was able to escape,” Capt. Jeff Topping of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department told newsgathering partner WLKY-TV in Louisville. “We had U.S. Marshals try to catch him. He fled out a window. He fled out of New Albany.

“He fled from us, actually from the back of a police car while handcuffed. He’s no stranger to Floyd County.”

Topping said Wright burglarized at least three Floyd County businesses, including Steinert’s Grill & Pub and the American Legion Post along Paoli Pike. He’s also a suspect in a New Albany armed robbery, and Topping said he had several outstanding warrants.

“He’s wanted out of Florida,” said Topping. “He’s wanted in Clark County. He’s wanted in Floyd County.”

When detectives learned Wright might be hanging out with his girlfriend at River Chase apartments, they set up an attack plan.

“We set up three teams, three different vehicles,” Lt. Scott Evans told WLKY. “As soon as they made contact with the vehicle, he gave up without any type of resistance.”

Wright’s girlfriend, Victoria Prather, was sitting in the passenger seat of the car Wright was driving when police pounced.

“It was scary,” she said. “I’ve never had anything happen to me like that before.”

Prather said she was aware Wright was wanted for at least one burglary, but she didn’t think to call police about it.

“I know he wasn’t the best person,” said Prather. “I could have chosen better, but I guess he’s who I wanted.”

Jim Feathers, former commander of American Legion Post 42, said he was relieved to hear of Wright’s arrest.

“We’re just happy to hear they’re going to be brought to justice,” said Feathers. “We’re trying to give back to the community, and they’re in here ripping off what we’re trying to do.”

Wright is being held at Floyd County Jail on warrant charges of: three counts of burglary and one count each of resisting law enforcement and operating while intoxicated with endangerment.

— WLKY NewsChannel 32