Foot pursuit leads to charges

Anthony Phillips, 33, of Peace Valley, fled from deputies as he was being escorted to a patrol car. On Jan. 20, Corporal Nicholas Bruno and Deputy John Thomas of the Howell County Sheriff’s Department arrived at Phillip’s residence on CR 3850 to pick him up on three active warrants, according to the probable cause statement.

Phillips was being escorted out of his residence when he fled Northbound across the county road on foot.

Crpl. Bruno pursued Phillips to a neighboring property where he observed the subject fall down in the front yard. Phillips regained himself and fled around the corner of a trailer when Corporal Bruno lost sight of the suspect as he ran into a tree line.

Deputy Thomas and Corp. Bruno set a perimeter around the woods.

“I observed Phillips running back down the county road towards his residence,” recorded Crpl. Bruno’s statement.

The officers returned to the residence to set a new perimeter. 

“…it appeared someone had closed the door to the residence,” said court documents.

Deputy Michael Pauly arrived on scene. While Deputy Thomas made contact with the subject at the back door, Deputy Pauly apprehended Phillips.

Phillips was transported to the Howell County Jail, where he was booked on his outstanding warrants. He remains in custody as of press time, confirms Howell County Jail. 

The Howell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed one count of resisting arrest on Jan. 21. This charge carries a bond of $10,000. Phillips is scheduled for a bond reduction hearing before the Honorable R. David Ray on Jan. 30.