Caught! Deputies arrest wanted fugitive Danny West Jr. at Shirley Avenue home

After nearly 15 months on the run, fugitive Danny West Jr. is back in prison.

On February 25, 2023, West, who was being held at the Ben Hill County Jail, escaped from a funeral in Douglas. He had requested to attend the funeral and Ben Hill County authorities granted his request. Coffee County deputies accompanied West to the funeral; however, while on duty he escaped and has been on the run ever since.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, deputies went to 709 Shirley Avenue in an attempt to find West. Upon their arrival, a subject, later identified as West, ran from the rear of the house. West was running toward East Baker Highway, jumping fences in the process. Sgt. Jesse Tovar chased after him and eventually caught up with West. During the arrest, Sgt. Tovar found a clear bag containing a white powdery substance on West’s person. He contacted Alex Gentry, a drug unit detective, who responded to the scene.

West complained of an injury and wanted to be evaluated. He was taken to Coffee Regional Medical Center for treatment and was quickly medically cleared. In addition to the escape-related charges, West will also face drug-related charges. He was transported to the Ben Hill County Jail where he remains.

With Sgt. Tovar and det. Gentry, deputies Jacob Greene, Austin Patton and Joshua Young helped apprehend West.