AUSTIN CARJACKER ARRESTED OFF OF GEORGIA COAST

AUSTIN – Dennis Wayne Harvey, Jr., 28, of Austin was arrested this morning aboard the Shrimp Boat “Michael Lynn” off the Savannah, Georgia coast by the United States Marshals Service, Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Untied States Coast Guard, Station Tybee out of Tybee Island, Georgia. Harvey had been the subject of an intense manhunt since a November 3, 2006 crime spree in Austin during which Harvey allegedly carjacked 4 vehicles, shooting a victim and then fleeing the state. The last vehicle he carjacked was recovered the following day in the Palacios, Texas.

In addition to those charges Austin Police Department Robbery detectives have charged Harvey with two counts of Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, a first degree felony with bond set at $1 million. And Aggravated Robbery by Assault, a second degree felony, with bond set at $100,000 in connection to a series of incidents that occurred on November 2, 2006 at 10000 block of North FM 620 at Boulder Lane.

Shortly after the spree, family members admitted to Deputy United States Marshals with the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force that they had provided Harvey with transportation to Baytown, Texas. The family had left Harvey at the marina where he stated to his step-father that he was going to catch a shrimp boat until things “cooled down”.

On December 16, 2006, Harvey was profiled on Americas Most Wanted, “15 Seconds of Shame” segment.

On December 22, 2006, a tip was received advising deputies of Harvey’s possible whereabouts. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force contacted the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and requested their assistance in locating and apprehending Harvey. It was determined in Austin that Harvey was residing in a shrimp boat sailing out of Savannah, Georgia. Task Forces officers in Savannah contacted the local United States Coast Guard Station located in Tybee Island for their assistance in locating the shrimp vessel “Michael Lynn”. The “Michael Lynn” purportedly was heading to sea for the final days of the shrimping season. Three Coast Guard Patrol Boats identified and surrounded the “Michael Lynn”, ordering it to stop for boarding. Harvey was identified by his photo and tattoos. After initially giving Task Force officers an alias Harvey admitted his true identity.

Harvey was arrested and remains in the Chatham County Jail, in Savannah, GA pending extradition to Austin, TX.

United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, LaFayette Collins, said, “216 years of experience has proven that the United States Marshals Service will find their fugitive , whether at sea or dry land. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force will utilize all the assets at their disposal to assure that fugitives are brought to justice.”