TROY, Ala. (WDNews) — A Texas fugitive wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was captured Tuesday evening in Pike County after a multi-agency search that stretched through thick woods, creeks, and ravines, authorities said.
According to Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas, 25-year-old Blake Anthony Chilla was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 in the Henderson community. Chilla had been wanted out of Harris County, Texas, and had reportedly fled to Alabama with his girlfriend several days earlier to avoid prosecution.
Deputies attempted to contact Chilla earlier that morning but were unsuccessful. Investigators later worked with the Troy Police Department to determine his location and obtained a search warrant. Because of Chilla’s violent criminal history, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office activated its Special Response Team.
Just before officers arrived at the residence where Chilla had been staying, he fled on foot into nearby woods. Deputies detained two people inside the home, and the Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 Tracking Unit was called in to help.
Authorities pursued Chilla for more than half a mile through dense brush, creeks, and ravines before taking him into custody.
Earlier in the day, deputies also stopped a black Audi sedan Chilla was known to drive. His girlfriend was inside the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Sheriff Thomas, who responded at the scene, said Chilla has “a very violent past,” including previous assaults, weapons charges, drug offenses, and an incident at a local Dollar General just days before, where Chilla allegedly smashed out the back glass of someone’s vehicle during an argument over a parking space.
Thomas thanked the Troy Police Department, Troy Fire Department, and the Department of Corrections K-9 Unit for their assistance.
“I am extremely proud of our first responders and their ability to work together toward a common goal, and that is public safety,” Thomas said. “The coordination between agencies was on full display during this incident. Our Special Response Team put in an incredible amount of time and effort, and I’m very proud of the work they do.”
Chilla remains in custody. Further details, including charges in Alabama, have not yet been released.
Photo courtesy of Pike County Sheriff’s Office
