CELINA, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Clay County Sheriff's Office says they have captured an armed and dangerous felon who has been on the run for one week.
George Hardin, 57, is a convicted felon who was currently out on parole for 1st Degree Murder, Armed Robbery and Rape.
It was announced last week that Hardin was missing and was wanted for kidnapping, violation of sex offender registry and other charges.
On Monday, police received a call that someone matching Hardin's description was seen entering a barn at the intersection of Bakerton Road and Highway 52 around 11a.m.
When officers arrived at the barn they found Hardin unarmed and alone. He was arrested without incident.
This all came after calls were received on Sunday, May 19, regarding a man holding a woman at gunpoint in car at Elite Market. When officers arrived at the scene, they found that the woman who was being threatened had left her purse with another person at the store. Officers were then able to get a description of the man who was armed, as well as the identity of the woman who was being threatened.
Police later received another call from a store in Celina. The caller reported that there was a female screaming at Obey River market.
"The woman came running from the parking lot and said that the man had a gun and that he was hold her captive," said Sandy Daniels, Obey River Market manager.
The victim ran inside and the store clerk was able to lock the doors and push the panic button for police to arrive, but when police showed up Hardin was already gone.
He was spotted driving and a Clay County deputy attempted to stop the car on a dead end road, but sheriff says Hardin jumped out of his car and took off running.
"We have no reason at this point to believe that he left the area and that’s due to that we haven’t had any reports of vehicles being stolen and houses being burglarized," said Clay County Sheriff Brandon Boone.
The last information police obtained about the whereabouts of the suspect indicated that he was armed with a revolver.
On Tuesday, search crews including Clay County deputies and FBI agents began searching for Hardin near Chad Grace Road and Estis Sims Road.
Hardin is now in police custody.
