A long-sought fugitive with an active felony warrant out of Troup County, Jonathan Blake Loftis, was apprehended in Summerville during an early morning raid today and subsequently charged with multiple new offenses, including illegal firearm possession and pointing a gun at another.

The arrest of the 38-year-old Loftis unfolded around 4:38 AM at a residence on 234 Seventh Street, Summerville, GA 30747, following a multi-agency response. According to a report filed by Deputy Jerec Roberts of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and officers from Summerville and Trion police departments converged on the location to execute the active warrant.

Upon arrival, deputies approached the front door while other officers secured the perimeter. They made contact with Shannon Keith Shadrick, who reportedly stated, “He is here,” before retrieving Loftis from inside the residence.

When asked his name by Deputy Roberts, Loftis allegedly provided a false identity, claiming to be “Tommy Haralson” multiple times. He was then advised he was under arrest for the outstanding warrant. As handcuffs were being applied, Loftis reportedly turned to Shadrick and said, “They got me.”

During a subsequent phone call to his mother, which officers approved, Loftis was overheard stating, “They finally caught me.” He then allegedly informed Officer Pledger that he had been “running for four years hoping to never be caught.” Loftis was then transported without incident to the Chattooga County Jail.

While at the jail, Deputy Garmany informed Deputy Roberts that Shadrick had told Officers Sainthill and Pledger that Loftis had a firearm prior to the officers’ arrival, but Shadrick was unsure of its current location. Loftis, after being read his Miranda Rights, initially invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. However, as Deputy Roberts began to walk away, Loftis asked what the question was. When asked about the gun, Loftis reportedly replied, “What gun? I don’t have a gun. I’m a Felon, you think I’m stupid enough to have a gun?”

Law enforcement then returned to the Seventh Street address to search for the weapon. During the search, Officer Sainthill located what appeared to be the hammer of a small handgun protruding from under the air conditioning unit. Officer Pledger retrieved the object, confirming it to be a Titan .25 Caliber handgun (Serial# ED79813).

Shadrick then confirmed the retrieved handgun was the one Loftis had been brandishing. He further alleged that Loftis had pointed the gun at him and threatened to shoot him. Shadrick agreed to provide a written witness statement detailing these allegations.

As a result of the incident, Jonathan Blake Loftis faces a new array of charges, including:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Reckless Conduct (Misdemeanor)
• Pointing a Gun or Pistol at Another
• Giving False Name to Officers

Loftis remains in custody at the Chattooga County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings related to both his outstanding Troup County warrant and the new charges filed in Chattooga County.