FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: January 09, 2008 Deputy Najla Mayo, Public Information Officer (305) 536-4628   Violent Fugitive Captured   Late last night, a violent fugitive wanted on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing and eluding police has been arrested by a team of law enforcement officers led by the U.S. Marshals in Tampa, Florida. Michael Barnes, 21, of Lauderhill, FL was arrested after fleeing charges from Miami-Dade County after he led Miami Beach Police on a high speed chase on December 20, 2007. During this pursuit Barnes attempted to run over a police officer. On January 4, 2008, when the warrant was issued, the Miami Beach Police Department asked the Marshals for assistance in locating and capturing Barnes. The US Marshals, along with the Miami Beach Police Department, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, immediately began a manhunt. Prior to his arrest in Tampa, Barnes remained one step ahead of authorities as teams of law enforcement officers searched for him in Broward County, Florida as well as Brunswick, Georgia. The US Marshals later developed information that Barnes may have fled to Tampa and sent a lead to the Marshals Office there. The Marshals, along with the Tampa Police Department, immediately began their investigation and placed wanted posters of Barnes in several areas. At approximately 9:30 last night, the Marshals received a call that a man matching the description of Barnes was seen at a Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Tampa. The Deputies and Officers quickly moved in arrested Barnes without incident. Barnes is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail pending extradition to South Florida. Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.