Memphis Fugitive Austin Drummond Taken Into Custody After Weeklong Manhunt Across West Tennessee
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — A weeklong manhunt came to a dramatic close Tuesday morning after Austin Drummond, the suspect in a quadruple homicide investigation, was taken into custody by law enforcement officials. The arrest followed a high-intensity search that kept multiple West Tennessee communities on high alert.
Drummond’s apprehension occurred in Jackson, Tennessee, where he was last seen over the weekend. His presence triggered a shelter-in-place order on Tuesday morning, issued by the Jackson Police Department after a confirmed sighting near Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive.
In response to the sighting, authorities warned residents to immediately stay indoors, secure all doors and windows, and avoid travel until further notice. Nearby roads, including those around Pleasant Plains and Country Club, were shut down as officers conducted a coordinated search of the area.
The manhunt had intensified steadily over the past several days. On Monday, Union University was placed under temporary lockdown as law enforcement received multiple tips regarding the suspect’s possible location. Search teams focused their efforts around Oil Well Road and Pleasant Plains Extension, where sightings had been reported.
Austin Drummond had been evading authorities since the previous Tuesday, following the discovery of four deceased individuals from the same family in Lake County, Tennessee. The case sparked widespread public attention and a multi-agency investigation across state and local jurisdictions.
The breakthrough in the search came on Friday, when Drummond’s vehicle was located abandoned in Jackson. This finding led investigators to believe he had not fled far and may still be hiding in the region. Law enforcement began canvassing neighborhoods, increasing patrols, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes.
On Sunday evening, a citizen’s home security camera captured footage of a man identified as Drummond on Pipkin Road. In the clip, he was seen dressed in camouflage, with a rifle slung over his shoulder and a backpack on his back. The video also showed him attempting to open the door of a residence, escalating public safety concerns.
Thanks to the efforts of both law enforcement and vigilant citizens, authorities were able to confirm Drummond’s movements and narrow the search zone. Officials stated that he eventually surrendered without incident on Tuesday morning and was safely taken into custody.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the exact location or method of his arrest but have confirmed that no additional injuries occurred during the capture. They are now focused on retracing Drummond’s steps over the past week and determining whether any assistance was provided during his time on the run.
The Jackson Police Department is continuing to request community support. Residents with surveillance footage, tips, or relevant information are urged to contact investigators at 731-425-8400. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation moves forward and authorities prepare for the next legal steps in the case.
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