A multi-state manhunt came to a dramatic end this week when fugitive Zachary Edmister, 25, was apprehended in the backyard of a residence on Redwood Avenue in Orange City, Florida. Edmister, born December 29, 1999, had been wanted in North Carolina for a first-degree felony forcible sex offense, a charge that carries severe legal consequences and reflects the gravity of the alleged crime.
Acting on coordinated intelligence between North Carolina authorities and local Florida law enforcement, officers tracked Edmister to the quiet residential neighborhood. Upon confrontation, Edmister attempted to deceive officers by providing a false identity—his own brother’s name—in a bid to avoid arrest. The ruse was quickly uncovered, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
In addition to the North Carolina warrant, Edmister faces multiple charges in Florida, including providing false information to law enforcement, a misdemeanor offense that further complicates his legal standing. Authorities also discovered an active local warrant for failure to appear in court on a separate charge of lewd or lascivious molestation, a serious offense under Florida law involving inappropriate conduct with a minor.
Edmister is currently being held in custody as legal proceedings begin to determine the timeline and logistics of his extradition to North Carolina, where he will face the original felony charge. Meanwhile, Florida officials are preparing to address the outstanding local charges, which may delay his transfer depending on court decisions.
Law enforcement officials praised the swift and coordinated efforts that led to Edmister’s capture, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tracking fugitives across state lines. “This arrest is a testament to the power of cooperation between jurisdictions,” one official stated. “No matter where a suspect tries to hide, justice will pursue them.”
Residents of the Redwood Avenue neighborhood expressed shock at the arrest, with many unaware that a wanted fugitive had been living—or hiding—so close to home. Authorities have not disclosed how long Edmister had been in the area or whether he had any known associates in Volusia County.
The case remains under active investigation, and further details may emerge as both states proceed with legal action.
Add comment
Comments