Kentucky Tip to Crime Stoppers Leads to Arrest of Fugitive on the Run for Two Years
LONDON, KENTUCKY — A citizen tip to London Laurel County Crime Stoppers led to the arrest of a 66-year-old fugitive who had been on the run for more than two years, according to Kentucky State Police.
Authorities say James F. Hasty, who was wanted on multiple drug and vehicle-related charges, was taken into custody Sunday by State Police Post 10 in Harlan after Crime Stoppers received an anonymous tip.
Fugitive Captured After Two Years at Large
Officials with London Laurel County Crime Stoppers (LLCCS) shared the update on Facebook, confirming that Hasty’s arrest came just five days after a $500 reward was announced for information leading to his capture.
Hasty’s last known address was listed in East Bernstadt, and investigators say he had successfully evaded law enforcement for years before Sunday’s arrest.
“Hasty has been on the run for two years, and with the assistance of a citizen and Crime Stoppers, he’s now in custody,” LLCCS officials wrote in their post.
Charges and Custody Details
According to records from the Laurel County Correctional Center, Hasty faces several charges, including:
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance (fourth offense or higher)
- First-degree possession of methamphetamine (first offense)
- License to be in possession
- Failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
Hasty was booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center and remains held on a $10,000 cash bond.
Community Tips Praised for Role in Arrest
The arrest underscores the impact of community-driven crime prevention efforts in Kentucky, where local Crime Stoppers groups regularly partner with law enforcement to track fugitives.
Crime Stoppers officials thanked residents for coming forward with information and encouraged others to continue using their anonymous tip lines to help bring fugitives to justice.
“This is exactly how Crime Stoppers is supposed to work — citizens helping law enforcement make their communities safer,” one official said.
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