Joshua Zimmerman Extradited Back to Mississippi Following Arrest After Standoff Near DNC
HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) — Joshua Zimmerman, who was arrested during a 15-hour standoff at a Chicago restaurant in August, is being extradited back to Mississippi after escaping from a county jail earlier this year. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed his extradition plans; however, no specific timeline was provided, and details about his legal representation remain unclear.
Zimmerman’s arrest took place on August 21, several blocks from the United Center, the venue for the Democratic National Convention. The U.S. Marshals Service assured that there was no connection between Zimmerman and the convention, stating he was believed to be an employee at the restaurant.
Zimmerman’s escape occurred on June 14 when he fled from the DeSoto County Courthouse, where he was due to appear regarding charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. At the time, he was also awaiting extradition to Texas to face murder charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Keyanna Mercer in a Houston motel. Investigators indicated that the shooting took place after motel staff asked Zimmerman and Mercer to leave due to prior complaints about disturbances.
Additionally, Zimmerman has a history of legal troubles, including a felony sexual assault charge from 2022 in Connecticut. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond but subsequently had a warrant issued for his re-arrest.
Following Zimmerman’s arrest in Chicago, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department implemented enhanced security measures, resulting in the dismissal and subsequent charges against a former deputy jailer accused of facilitating the escape. The investigation into Zimmerman’s activities continues, prompting law enforcement to remain tight-lipped about further developments.
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