Murfreesboro, TN - In a swift and coordinated effort, Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies in Murfreesboro, Tenn., apprehended a non-custodial father within 2-1/2 hours of the abduction of his 3-year-old son from their Georgia home. John Kavin Samples, 26, of Utah, was wanted for forcefully taking his son from the boy’s mother’s home in Rossville, Ga., according to Walker County Detective Jonathan Camp.

 

The harrowing incident unfolded on Monday night as Samples, after visiting his son, allegedly abducted the child at gunpoint in the presence of his older sister. Despite the mother's valiant attempts to intervene, Samples fled the scene with the child in a van, allegedly aided by his girlfriend, Anjela Baker.

 

Walker County Sheriff’s Patrol swiftly responded to the scene, gathering crucial information about Samples and his vehicle. This information was quickly relayed to law enforcement agencies along Interstate 24, leading to an intense search operation.

 

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, deputies tracked the vehicle to Murfreesboro, where Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies, led by Sgt. Ethan Shenefield and Deputy Luis Ramirez, successfully intercepted Samples' vehicle at a Shell station on Old Fort Parkway.

 

Deputies, including Lt. Trey Nunley, Sgt. April Haggard, and others, executed the stop on Interstate 24, leading to the arrest of Samples and Baker. Both individuals were charged with being fugitives from justice and are currently detained pending extradition to Walker County, Ga.

 

The 3-year-old son was safely reunited with a family member, while the Department of Children’s Services took custody of Baker’s 5-year-old daughter and her 6-month-old baby, who is also Samples’ child.

 

Detective Christina Overton recovered a firearm from Samples' vehicle, leading to further charges against him, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Camp expressed gratitude to all involved in the operation, emphasizing the potential for a violent confrontation had it not been for the quick and decisive action of law enforcement.

 

Sheriff Wilson commended the partnership between sheriff’s offices, highlighting the successful resolution of the incident without any injuries or loss of life.

 

Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh underscored the professionalism and dedication of the deputies, emphasizing that despite the tragedy, the quick action led to a fortunate outcome.

 

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