Stoddard County fugitive captured

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Stoddard County jail inmate who escaped custody Wednesday was captured at 3 p.m. Thursday near the Stoddard and Bollinger County line.

Jason Stroup, 34, escaped when he walked out of a courtroom at the Stoddard County Justice Center shortly before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner credits "good investigating" with the information that led to the capture.

Hefner said Stroup was in a rural house with an elderly man.

Deputies approached the back side of the house when Stroup, who has already been sentenced to 12 years in prison, stepped on to the back porch, noticed the authorities and ran.

A foot pursuit began through a "very muddy field," Hefner said, before Stroup finally "ran out of gas" and stopped.

Authorities are as yet unaware when or if Stroup will appear before Judge Stephen Sharp again. He will either make an appearance or be sent on to prison. If he is sent to prison, he could be released later to face escape charges.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver said Stroup has been charged with escape from confinement as a result of the escape. A conviction on the charge could raise his sentence to as long as 16 years.

Pertinent address:

Bloomfield, MO