You are here

Search Launched At Great Smoky Mountains National Park For Fugitive

Share

James Quilliams, who is wanted on a murder warrant issued in Florida, was thought to be in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Wednesday. NPS handout.

A search was under way in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Wednesday for a Tennessee man wanted on a first-degree murder charge in Florida.

Park officials said James Quilliams, 40, of Sevierville, Tennessee, was wanted by authorities in Pinellas County, Florida. In a release they said investigators believe the fugitive might have been dropped off near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, early Wednesday morning by a female companion who was arrested for a DUI at 6:45 a.m. by Pigeon Forge Police Department. Pigeon Forge officers alerted area law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for Mr. Quilliams at approximately 9 a.m.

Rangers have received several reports of an individual in the Sugarlands area who possibly matched the description provided by Pigeon Forge Police Department. More than a dozen park rangers were searching area trails and roads for Mr. Quilliams, who was believed to be on foot.

Park officials said the fugitive was not considered to pose a risk to the general public or park employees. However, they said visitors should not pick up any hitchhikers and should continue to exercise caution in the area.

If you see anyone matching the description of Mr. Quilliams, you should report it immediately to local law enforcement agencies. Park rangers are working in coordination with Pigeon Forge Police Department, Gatlinburg Police Department, Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, and Pinellas County Sherriff’s Office.

Mr. Quilliams is described as 6-foot-2 in height, weighing 215 pounds, with short gray hair and a goatee. He was believd to be wearing a black trench coat, black dress pants, and tennis shoes.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.