11/16/11 Topeka, KS – Prime Suspect In Death Of His Infant – Handcuffed In Prisoner Transport – While Stopped At Gas Station Steals It – On The Run

November 16, 2011

gjsentinel.com

A fugitive in transit to Grand Junction Wednesday night was reportedly on the run in Kansas after escaping from custody.

Dartanin Mitchell, 33, was wanted after stealing a transport vehicle in Topeka, Kan., which had stopped at a gas station, according to a report from WIBW television.

Topeka Police told the news station that a vehicle transporting Mitchell had stopped at a gas station to allow the driver to use the restroom, when Mitchell kicked out the back seat cage of the vehicle and sped away. The report said Mitchell was wearing handcuffs and shackles at the time. The vehicle was last seen eastbound on I-470.

Mesa County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Heather Benjamin said they were notified of the escape by Kansas authorities around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Mitchell along with his wife had been jailed in Memphis, Tenn., since he was arrested there Oct. 9 behind the wheel of a van which authorities believe was stolen from the Mesa County Workforce Center, 2897 North Ave., on Sept. 24. He was free on bond Sept. 24 when authorities allege he targeted the offices of Family First, a parent mentoring program offered by Hilltop Community Resources, which are located inside the Workforce Center.

Mitchell was seen on video surveillance breaking into the office shortly after midnight Sept. 24, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. A laptop computer and hundreds of dollars in cash, among other items, were missing, along with a Chevy van used by the organization, the affidavit said.

Mitchell fled Mesa County without warning from a Global-Positioning System ankle monitor, which he had been ordered to wear as a bond condition. The GPS device was found Sept. 26 near the front door of his home, with no sign of Mitchell. He failed to appear for a plea hearing on Sept. 27.

Mitchell, who had been employed as a mentor to young parents through Family First, had been accused of breaking into the same offices on June 3 while stealing hundreds of dollars in cash and vouchers. He has been described by authorities as the prime suspect in the death of his infant son, Lucius Lee Mitchell, who passed away June 12.

Dartanin Mitchell remains under investigation in the baby’s death.