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Fugitive Dives Into Lake to Evade Arrest
3 Sep
Summary
- A Georgia fugitive was captured after jumping into Weiss Lake.
- The fugitive crossed the lake and was found hiding in a swamp.
- He faced warrants from Georgia and new charges in Alabama.
Deputies in Cherokee County, Alabama, apprehended a Georgia fugitive after a dramatic escape attempt that involved jumping into Weiss Lake. The fugitive, identified as 33-year-old Eric Carl Virta of Cartersville, Georgia, was located at a campground where authorities attempted to serve an active warrant.
Instead of surrendering, Virta reportedly fled from deputies and jumped into the lake. He swam across the water and entered a swampy area, prompting a search that lasted over an hour. Authorities eventually located Virta hiding in Mud Creek and took him into custody without further incident.
Virta was wanted on outstanding warrants from Floyd County, Georgia. Upon his capture in Alabama, he was additionally charged with being a fugitive from justice and attempting to elude law enforcement. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Patrol assisted in transporting Virta and deputies back across the water.
