Fugitive Wedges Himself Inside Air Conditioning System To Escape Florida Arrest

A wanted man attempting to evade deputies was discovered hidden deep inside a home’s air conditioning system after a search for a felony suspect on June 5, authorities said.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies from its Fugitive Unit arrived at a residence to serve a felony warrant on 33-year-old James Myers after he failed to appear in court.

Myers was wanted on multiple charges, including grand theft, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, excessive speeding, and resisting an officer. Officials said the charges originated from a March incident involving a stolen truck and a previous arrest after a K-9 unit encounter.

When deputies searched the home, Myers attempted to avoid capture by concealing himself inside the property. Officers ultimately located him wedged inside the air conditioning system’s air handler, hidden behind ductwork in an effort to stay out of sight.

Deputies removed him from the confined space and placed him under arrest without further incident.

During the same search, deputies also found 36-year-old Joann Rosario hiding inside a closet. Investigators say she tried to help Myers avoid arrest and was charged with obstruction of justice.

Myers was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is being held without bond. Rosario was taken into custody and later released on her own recognizance.