Hide-and-Seek Ends Behind a False Wall: Multi-State Fugitive Apprehended in Dade County After Intense Search
DADE COUNTY, Ga. – A tense game of hide-and-seek between law enforcement and a wanted fugitive culminated in the dramatic discovery and arrest of James Janow Jr. concealed behind a false wall in his residence. The operation, involving multiple agencies and utilizing advanced technology, underscores the unwavering commitment of Dade County authorities to apprehend individuals evading justice. Janow Jr., who faced multiple warrants in Dade and Hamilton Counties, including charges related to fentanyl possession, is now in custody. Four others were also arrested for aiding and abetting his attempts to evade capture.
The operation began Thursday when Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross and a sergeant identified Janow Jr.’s vehicle parked outside a residence on Highway 299. Anticipating a potential flight attempt, officers strategically positioned themselves while awaiting backup. As predicted, Janow Jr. attempted to escape, leading officers on a brief pursuit before returning to his home. Law enforcement established a perimeter to prevent his escape into the surrounding woods.
Following the confirmation that Janow Jr. remained within the residence, detectives secured a search warrant. The search employed a thermal imaging camera provided by Dade EMA Director Alex Case, a crucial technological asset that proved instrumental in locating the concealed suspect. The thermal imaging revealed a heat signature emanating from a seemingly innocuous closet, revealing Janow Jr.’s hiding place behind a mirror concealing a false wall.
The discovery and subsequent arrest of Janow Jr. marked the successful conclusion of a multi-agency effort involving the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force (LMJCDTF), the Trenton Police Department, and Dade County dispatchers. The coordinated operation demonstrated the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and the utilization of advanced technology in apprehending fugitives.
Beyond the apprehension of Janow Jr., the operation also resulted in the arrest of four individuals charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive. April Millard of Sequatchie, Tennessee, also faced charges of possession of a Schedule II narcotic and an outstanding warrant from Jackson County, Alabama. Kimla Tolbert and James Janow Sr., both of Wildwood, and James Janow III of Virginia Beach, Virginia, were also arrested for their alleged roles in assisting Janow Jr.’s evasion. The arrests underscore the legal ramifications of harboring fugitives and obstructing justice.
Sheriff Cross expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the operation, emphasizing the dedication of his team and the collaborative efforts of other agencies. He issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in criminal activity within Dade County, assuring them that law enforcement will relentlessly pursue them, regardless of their attempts to conceal themselves. The sheriff also reiterated the consequences for those who assist fugitives, emphasizing that harboring a fugitive will result in arrest. The operation serves as a clear message that Dade County remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its community.