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Repeat Felon Captured After Nearly 3 Years On The Run

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A mugshot from Gladys' last arrest in 2007

A repeat offender on the run for nearly three years was taken into custody this afternoon, following an anonymous tip to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.

Christopher Gladys, DOB 9/19/77, was charged early this afternoon – less than an hour after the anonymous tip was called in. Gladys was arrested on a felony bench warrant

for four counts of failure to appear on burglary and grand theft charges, as well as a

violation of probation for DUI. Gladys has been evading officers since 2007, when he

violated his probation on the DUI charge. Nearly five months later, a second warrant for

his arrest was issued for failing to show up in court on the burglary counts. Since that

time, numerous tips have been called in on Gladys, however it wasn’t until this afternoon

that officers were finally able to catch up with him.

Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s Fugitive Warrants Unit immediately

responded to the tip that Gladys was staying at an apartment in Cape Coral. Less than

an hour after that tip was called in, Warrants Unit detectives had Gladys in custody. He is

currently enroute to the Lee County Jail, where he will be held without bond.

Gladys is no newcomer to a life of crime, with 12 prior arrests and 65 criminal charges

since 1996.

“Chris Gladys obviously thought he was above the law, and wouldn’t be held responsible

for the crimes he’s been charged with, but after three years, justice is finally being served

– thanks to the help of an anonymous tipster and to Warrants Unit detectives who wasted

no time in making the arrest,” said Trish Routte, Coordinator for Southwest Florida

Crime Stoppers.

Anonymous tips on wanted criminals can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by

calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers remain

anonymous, and are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made

online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.

For additional information, contact Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, at 239-477- 1407.