DPD, TBI, US Marshals nab escaped burglary suspect

Rucker

"We are thankful for the US Marshals and the TBI for their assistance in helping us get this dangerous felon off the streets," said DPD Capt. Steve Isbell.

Rucker was wanted by the Dyersburg Police in connection with a residential burglary on Dec. 27 in a residence in the 300 block of Thomas Street that resulted in a standoff with police. He, along with three other suspects, barricaded themselves inside the house and had to be extracted by the DPD's Special Response team. Rucker was turned over to an officer who was going to transport him to the Dyer County Jail. During this time, he was able to flee from the officer who was attempting to place him into a patrol car.

The department's street crimes unit received information that Rucker was still in Dyersburg and set up surveillance on some apartments on Greenway Street. Officers observed Rucker at the location and were able to take him into custody without incident. There were no other people inside the apartment during Rucker's arrest. Police determined the apartment was rented to a family member who has been staying in Jackson, Tenn. for several weeks.

Officers located a handgun inside the apartment and will seek an additional charge of a felon in possession of a firearm.

Rucker was out of prison on parole for aggravated assault from an incident that occurred in Future City in 2008 when he reportedly shot a Dyersburg man during a drug deal. Rucker, who was 17 years old at the time, was tried as an adult for attempted first-degree premeditated murder and eventually sentenced for aggravated assault. Prior to the shooting in 2008, Rucker had been charged with eight thefts, an assault, an aggravated assault, at least four felonies and a smattering of misdemeanors, including resisting arrest and five counts of violating his house arrest in the last few years.

Rucker's case remains under investigation by the department's criminal investigation division.