Winter Haven, FL — A 27-year-old fugitive who had been on the run for more than two years on an attempted first-degree murder charge was finally arrested Saturday night after assaulting an officer and trying to escape custody.
D’Architray L. Sapp Caught After Foot Chase
According to the Winter Haven Public Safety Department, officers responded around 8:20 p.m. to an apartment complex following a tip that a person with an active warrant was on the premises. The suspect was identified as D’Architray L. Sapp, a convicted felon with multiple outstanding warrants.
Upon seeing police, Sapp ran into an apartment, prompting officers to evacuate innocent occupants inside. After re-emerging from the apartment, officers tried to handcuff him, but he resisted.
“Sapp yanked his arms from behind his body to the front and took off,” the police statement said.
As he fled, Sapp intentionally slammed into a female officer, knocking her to the ground with his shoulder. Police say she was not injured, but Sapp continued running despite multiple verbal commands to stop.
Stun Guns Used to Stop the Fugitive
Officers quickly deployed their agency-issued electronic stun guns, successfully striking Sapp and bringing the foot chase to an end.
- Sapp was medically cleared at a local hospital
- He was then transported to the Polk County Jail for booking
Facing Multiple Serious Charges
In addition to the new charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, Sapp was charged on three outstanding warrants, which include:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Fleeing to elude
- Giving false information to a law enforcement officer
- Driving with a suspended license
- Criminal mischief
“I am thankful that our officers were not injured during the encounter with this violent felon,” said Police Chief Vance Monroe. “Our officers did an outstanding job ensuring Sapp was taken off the street and put behind bars where he belongs.”
Fugitive’s Arrest Brings Relief
The arrest ends a two-year manhunt for Sapp, whose presence in the community had long been a safety concern due to the severity of his charges. His alleged involvement in a violent crime and ability to evade arrest for years has raised questions about fugitive tracking protocols in the state.
Authorities have not released further details about the original attempted murder case, but court proceedings are expected to follow shortly.
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