Thermopolis Police apprehend Kansas fugitive

THERMOPOLIS - Thermopolis Police Chief Steve Shay announced late Friday afternoon that the Kansas fugitive Jeremy Breeden was apprehended without incident.

Breeden is wanted in Kanas in connection with attempted murder charges.

The Thermopolis Police Department had announced on its Facebook page Friday that they had what they believe to have been a credible sighting of Kansas fugitive Jeremy Breeden.

According to the post early Friday morning at a residence near the west edge of town saw an individual was wearing a tan T-shirt, blue jeans and brown socks but no shoes. The socks and bottom of the pants were wet.

"The resident who had come into contact with the individual, matching the description of Jeremy Breeden, threatened to contact police.

"The individual ran westward in the direction of the Old Cody Loop road.

"This area and many others have been searched without success. Leads are being followed and several other homes and businesses have also been searched," according to the post.

Shay said Breeden was found in an abandoned stone water structure in Thermopolis. He said there was no problems during the apprehension. "I think he was tired. He was ready."

Shay said Thermopolis will not pursue any charges. He is being held at Hot Springs County Jail awaiting extradition to Kansas.

Hot Springs County high school issued an alert to parents on Friday due to the fugitive situation.

According to a post on the high school Facebook page, parents were encouraged to pick students up from school Friday if those students normally walk home.

Washakie County School District No. 1 Business Manager Jack Stott said they have had no lockdowns or lockouts due to the attempt to locate the fugitive in Hot Springs County. He said school officials were being diligent in "keeping our eyes open."

He added that they has also been in contact with local law enforcement.

BACKGROUND

The Riverton Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and Fremont County Sheriff's Office arrested Cody Breeden, 24 of Abilene, Kansas, on Monday at 5:20 p.m. in the Riverton Walmart parking lot, according to the Riverton Police Department's social media.

Cody and Jeremy Breeden, 28 also of Abilene, are wanted in connection with the March 29 shooting of 19-year-old Trenton Penn of Minneapolis, at a motel in Junction City, Kansas.

Later on Tuesday, the Thermopolis Police Department issued its first warning to be on the lookout for Jeremy Breeden, 28 of Abilene, Kansas, in conjunction with an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. The Thermopolis Police encouraged residents to lock cars and homes, and not to approach the subject, as he could be armed and dangerous.

The social media post immediately spawned false sightings of the suspect in Hot Springs and Washakie counties, although no evidence of Breeden's whereabouts was discovered.