Maryville, Tenn. — After a days-long search, authorities in Loudon County arrested a man Thursday following a brief standoff. Thomas Fortune, 38, was taken into custody at a residence on Donaldson Road in Philadelphia, according to the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).
The search for Fortune began Tuesday, when LCSO deputies, along with a K-9 unit, focused their efforts on the area around Pond Creek and McCrary Street. Cpl. Cody Bengel of the sheriff’s office reported that by 4 p.m. Tuesday, the search was suspended after investigators believed Fortune had managed to leave the area and may have been picked up by a vehicle.
As a precautionary measure, Philadelphia Elementary School was placed on a soft lockdown during the search. The lockdown was lifted later that afternoon at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Fortune was wanted on multiple charges, including felony evading, driving on a revoked license, two counts of violation of probation, failure to appear in court, and a speed limit violation. Following a standoff on Thursday, he was taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities did not immediately release additional details about the standoff or the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The investigation is ongoing.
