Suspect in Texas hunt could be back north

Local authorities are once again on the lookout for the fugitive Billy McGee after a Jeep stolen from Texas was found in Paducah, Ky.

McGee, 44, of Blodgett, Mo. -- original police reports indicated he was from Zalma, Mo. -- has led Texas authorities on a manhunt since he and Josh Rogers, 19, allegedly fired at police in Silsbee, Texas, killing several police dogs, on March 25.

Rogers, of Zalma, was taken into custody on March 28 after breaking into a home in Texas. He remains in jail in Hardin County, Texas, with a $250,000 bond and faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer and burglary.

The Hardin County Sheriff's Department began a manhunt for McGee, but called it off on Saturday. It's now believed the fugitive may be back in the Missouri area after Paducah authorities found an abandoned Jeep stolen from Texas.

"It was stolen about a block from where he was last seen," said Hardin County Sheriff Ed Cain. "It had a map, and on the map it showed from Hardin County to that area up there, and we just feel like Billy McGee's the one that took it."

Cain said McGee also had ties to Kentucky, the proximity of which to Southeast Missouri reinforces the belief it was McGee who stole the vehicle. But Cain said they can't be positive.

Paducah police had tagged the abandoned vehicle for towing on Thursday, but had to wait three days to check the car's history. The vehicle was towed on Saturday. Cain said the owner reported it stolen on Sunday and Hardin County learned the vehicle had been found in Paducah the previous day.

The FBI has been called in to analyze the Jeep for clues as to who stole it, such as fingerprints and other forensic data. Until it's known who took the vehicle, Cape Girardeau police will still be on the lookout for McGee, said patrolman Jason Selzer. He said he has no information as to whether McGee has returned or is planning to return to Cape Girardeau.

McGee and Rogers were originally sought by Cape Girardeau police early last month when evidence found in McGee's car indicated it might be used for a meth lab. Police then received a report that the duo had allegedly stolen a car in Cape Girardeau. The next time they were seen was in Texas.

Deputies in Texas remain on patrol looking for McGee, Cain said. If apprehended locally, McGee will likely be sent back to Texas due to the serious charges he faces there, which will likely be the same as Rogers'.

"We want him, so if they will release him to us we'll come and get him," Cain said.

Anyone who sees McGee is urged to contact police. He is presumed to be armed.

msanders@semissourian.com

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