NEW PHILADELPHIA – A man was arrested in New Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon who was sought by Canton Police for aggravated murder and aggravated arson, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
Darrell Washington, 46, was arrested by members of the Canton Division of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team, Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Midvale Police Department and the Canton Police Department.
“This arrest today was the epitome of law enforcement collaboration,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated. “Outstanding work was done by the Canton Police Department to identify the suspects involved and our task force with the support of multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, EMS and Fire Departments executed a safe arrest.”
On Aug. 9, officers with the Canton Police Department were called to an apartment in the 700 block of Alan Page Drive by Canton firefighters who had responded to a structure fire at the address.
Firefighters found two deceased women inside an apartment. According to the Canton Police Department the victims, Katina C. Spells, 42, of Canton, and Kourtni D. Yeager, 31, of Massillon had suffered severe burns and gunshot wounds.
Darrell Washington was identified as a suspect in this deadly incident, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Task force members arrested Washington at an address in the 1500 block of Barnhill Road, New Philadelphia. During the arrest, Washington attempted to flee but was caught and arrested after a brief foot pursuit.
The Uhrichsville Fire Department and EMS and New Philadelphia Fire Department and EMS were instrumental in the arrest endeavor as well.
Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip.
Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous. Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.