Crime & Safety

Woodstock Fugitive Arrested in Texas

Joseph L. Szpak had been on the run nearly one year before the McHenry County Sheriff Department and U.S. Marshals arrested him on Friday.

 

A former Woodstock man wanted for stalking and violating an order of protection five times was apprehended Friday in Texas after fleeing the area almost one year ago.

Joseph L. Szpak, last known address of 302 Ridgeland Ave., Woodstock, was captured on Aug. 31, by a U.S. Marshal Service arrest team in Corpus Christi, Texas, according to McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren

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Szpak was wanted for aggravated stalking and five arrest warrants for violations of an order of protection, Nygren said in a press release. Szpak had been a fugitive since September 9, 2011, and was believed to have fled to Florida at that time.

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, the sheriff's office was contacted by the Algonquin Police Department with information from an anonymous source regarding fugitive Szpak.

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The sheriff’s office Fugitive Apprehension Unit along with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force contacted the anonymous source and began investigating the location of Szpak.

After confirming Szpak's possible location, a U.S. Marshal Service arrest team in Corpus Christi, Texas was contacted and requested to assist in the investigation. Szpak was apprehended at about 5:30 p.m. Friday, and taken into custody without incident in Corpus Christi, Texas, by the U.S. Marshal Service, Nygren said.

To provide information on individuals on the Top Ten Most Wanted list or any other warrant or crime, please contact the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit at (815) 334-4704, e-mail tips to tipline@co.mchenry.il.us, or call Crime Stoppers of McHenry County at 800-762-STOP (7867).


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