HERNANDO, Miss.–Did Joshua Zimmerman have any help when he escaped the DeSoto County courthouse in June? That’s one question deputies hope to have answered once Zimmerman is returned to Mississippi.
But, exactly when that will happen is unclear.
Zimmerman was captured Tuesday after a 14-hour standoff at a restaurant in Chicago.
“Sheriff Tuggle is excited to get an opportunity to walk him back into our detention facility,” said DeSoto County Chief Deputy Justin Smith, who briefed reporters about the capture while the standoff was still happening and Zimmerman’s survival was not yet certain.
“We try not to lob careless accusations in the public’s face when we don’t have facts to speak to,” said Smith, when asked if Zimmerman had had help in his escape. Zimmerman’s escape captured some national attention, with Dog the Bounty Hunter involved at one point, and U’S. Marshals offering a reward for Zimmerman’;s capture.
“We’re parcing together information and he’s the center of that puzzle,” said Smith. “So, having him in our hands will give us some good leads on how all of this transpired and if he did have assistance.”
