HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. – The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday night that it had taken a fugitive back into custody after a routine traffic stop turned into a federal manhunt breakthrough. The suspect, 53‑year‑old Roger Austin, had escaped from a minimum‑security federal prison camp near U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, in October 2024 and had been on the run for nearly two years.
Arrest details and booking
Deputies stopped Austin on a state highway on Tuesday after a routine traffic violation. Officers quickly identified him as a wanted federal escapee and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the Hendricks County Jail on Wednesday, where he was booked on a U.S. Marshals hold.
Background on the escapee
Austin was serving a more than 21‑year federal sentence after being convicted in Michigan on firearms and drug‑trafficking charges. While housed at the satellite camp in West Virginia, officials discovered his absence in October 2024 and launched an inter‑agency investigation that involved the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and local law‑enforcement partners.
Additional local charges
In addition to the federal hold, Austin now faces several Hendricks County charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, possession of methamphetamine, theft and identity deception. These charges reflect the seriousness of his alleged conduct while on the run and will be prosecuted in state court.
Law‑enforcement response
The successful capture underscores the cooperation between local deputies and federal agencies. The U.S. Marshals Service, which maintains a nationwide fugitive‑tracking network, worked closely with the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office from the moment Austin’s escape was reported. The joint effort demonstrates how local law‑enforcement can effectively support federal priorities while protecting the safety of Indiana communities.
Community impact
Residents of Hendricks County expressed relief that a dangerous individual was removed from the streets. “We’re grateful to our deputies for staying vigilant and acting quickly,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. The department reminded citizens that traffic stops often provide critical opportunities to identify and apprehend wanted persons, reinforcing the importance of routine law‑enforcement duties.
Next steps
Austin will remain in the Hendricks County Jail pending a federal hearing on his original sentence and a separate state hearing on the new local charges. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to monitor his status and coordinate with state authorities as the case proceeds.
The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and all partner agencies for their collaboration and urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to local law‑enforcement.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
