Alleged Florida Armed Robber Captured by U.S. Marshals in Virginia

Alexandria, VA – U.S. Marshal Robert Mathieson announces the capture of Tyron Walker. Walker was wanted by Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) as of Oct. 8 after being determined as a suspect for the armed robbery of a Checkers restaurant in Gainesville, FL. Law enforcement in FL tracked down the vehicle used to flee the scene of the robbery at which point the driver of the vehicle was able to elude capture.

On Oct. 9, ACSO requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force within the federal Northern District of Florida (N/FL) to determine the whereabouts of 27-year-old Walker. After a thorough investigation, Deputy U.S. Marshals in N/FL notified the USMS task force within the federal Eastern District of Virginia (E/VA) yesterday. Investigators had reason to believe that the suspect had fled to Virginia. E/VA deputies immediately began working to determine the fugitive’s possible location.

At approximately 10:35 a.m., US Marshals and task force officers spotted Walker on the roof of a business in a shopping plaza at the intersection of North Beauregard and Duke Street in Alexandria. Law enforcement personnel on scene ordered the suspect to come off of the roof and arrested the subject without incident. Walker was transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and is awaiting extradition to FL.

The U.S. Marshals-led fugitive task force within E/VA is made possible by the collaboration of the U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, Alexandria Police Department, Virginia State Police, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Diplomatic Security Service.

The task force within the Metropolitan D.C. area was founded in 2004 and, to date, has arrested tens of thousands of fugitives. The success of the task force directly correlates to it being a truly joint endeavor. Each agency brings its unique skills and expertise toward the common goal of pursuing and arresting the worst of the worst.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested more than 36,000 federal fugitives, 86,700 state and local fugitives, and 11,800 sex offenders in fiscal year 2013. Our investigative network and capabilities allow for the unique ability to track and apprehend any fugitive who attempts to evade police capture, anywhere in the country. For more information on the U.S. Marshals, please visit our website. www.USMarshals.gov.