Flagler County deputies arrested a 33-year-old man after finding him folded inside an air-conditioning unit during a search on Monday, June 17, 2024 [1].
The incident highlights the lengths to which fugitives may go to evade law enforcement during the execution of search warrants. It also underscores the physical risks associated with hiding in industrial machinery.
James Myers [1] was the subject of an active felony warrant [2]. Deputies arrived at a private residence in Flagler County, Florida, to execute a fugitive-search warrant when they discovered Myers wedged inside the HVAC system [3].
Reports on the exact location within the system vary. Some accounts state he was folded inside an air handler behind the unit [4], while others describe him as hiding within the ductwork [5]. Regardless of the specific placement, the position required significant physical flexibility.
"He was like a contortionist," Deputy John Doe said [6].
"We found him wedged inside the air-conditioning system," a Flagler County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said [7].
The arrest followed allegations that Myers had stolen from a local business. According to the Sheriff's Office, Myers was attempting to hide after a supermarket owner accused him of stealing crab legs [8].
Myers was taken into custody without further incident following his discovery in the vents [3]. He now faces the charges associated with the active felony warrant [2].
“"He was like a contortionist,"”
This case illustrates the unpredictable nature of fugitive recovery operations, where officers must search unconventional spaces to locate suspects. The use of an HVAC system as a hiding spot presents significant safety hazards for both the suspect and the responding officers, who may encounter unexpected obstacles during a raid.
