The manhunt in Brooke County is over, after police caught Donald Brown just before 10:30 p.m. Monday using sophisticated thermal imaging equipment.
It started earlier on Monday on Washington Pike in Wellsburg. Police said Donald Brown rammed into the back of another car, and sped off.
Police responded, and when they spotted the known criminal, he ran.
"He ditched the car and hid in the woods," said Brooke County Sheriff Richard Ferguson.
After that, the hunt was on. Police brought in dogs and began combing the woods in the Pleasant Hills area, but the experienced woodsman went through a creek, and disappeared.
"He's been in prison a couple of times, and he's not afraid to break in and he's not afraid to steal cars. He's pretty aggressive," said Ferguson.
Police issued a warning to all the neighbors within a mile radius of Pleasant Hills to be on the lookout, and keep their doors locked.
Many of the residents said they were worried knowing the man was on the run near their neighborhood.
"I will not sleep tonight, said Lynne Shaw, a resident in the area. I will be up and down all evening."
But now she can rest easy, after police caught Brown in the Skull Hollow area of Wellsburg.
He is going to spend the night in jail, after spending the day eluding police in the woods.
John Paul, NEWS9
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