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Fugitive nabbed in Monongahela

2 min read

A Donora man wanted by Monessen police and U.S. marshals was taken into custody Monday afternoon by Monongahela police during a traffic stop.

Jontee Damon Russell, 29, of 201 McKean Ave., Donora, was stopped for a traffic violation at the intersection of Second and Main streets about 2 p.m. When the officer ran his information, it was determined that Monessen police obtained a felony warrant for his arrest, said police Chief Brian Tempest. Police also learned that U.S. marshals had a federal arrest warrant for him on a probation violation.

Russell was charged in federal court in November 2004 with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. He was found guilty in June 2005 and sentenced to five years in prison followed by four years of supervised release.

Russell was taken into custody and then transported him to Monongahela Valley Hospital because he had ingested some contraband, likely drugs, Tempest said.

“Depending on what he ate, he could die,” Tempest said.

Russell was then transferred to UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, for continued treatment. The ambulance was escorted to the Pittsburgh hospital by Monongahela police and a constable.

“We were told by two different police agencies to be very careful with him,” Tempest said. “That is why we took the precaution of escorting the ambulance.”

John Gallagher, a supervisor with the U.S. Marshals’ Fugitive Task Force in the Western District of Western Pennsylvania, said Russell was discharged from the hospital about 8 p.m. Monday and taken into federal custody.

Monessen police filed charges last week of burglary, robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, firearms not to be carried without a license, person not to possess a firearm, theft and receiving stolen property stemming from a Nov. 15 incident.

The police chief did not return a call Tuesday afternoon.

Tempest said Monongahela police also plan to charge Russell with possession with intent to deliver crack.

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