Fugitive Man Caught At Jacksonville Beach After Police Apprehended Him For Not Following COVID-19 Rules

A fugitive was arrested on Sunday in Jacksonville, Florida after the police saw him sitting around by the beach amid the coronavirus pandemic. He was initially approached by the authorities because he was apparently not aware that residents are not allowed to hang out due to the lockdown.

Upon checking, police recognized him as a wanted man in Pennsylvania due to his involvement in a homicide case. New York Post reported that the arrested fugitive is 30-year-old Mario Matthew Gatti and was apprehended by cops who were enforcing coronavirus restrictions at the beach that just reopened two days prior.

“This morning while officers patrolled the beach proper they captured a Fugitive from Justice, wanted in Arnold, Pennsylvania for Homicide,” the Jacksonville Beach Police Department tweeted. “Good job!”

The state still imposes restrictions to avoid people gathering around to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. The Jacksonville beaches only reopened to be used as a ground for exercise only and lounging is still not allowed.

When the officers were inspecting the place to see if the public is following the rules, they saw that Gatti was not so they approached him. His capture ended the three-month manhunt imposed by the authorities in Pennsylvania.

“We have some rules in place that it’s open for active exercise: running, jogging, walking a dog. No blankets, beach chairs, sitting or lounging is allowed,” Sgt. Tonya Tator, Jacksonville Beach police department spokeswoman said. “He was found up closer toward our dunes lounging.”

In any case, the fugitive is a suspect for the killing of Michael Coover Jr. who was shot in an apartment in January. Aside from the murder case, Gatti is also facing charges for burglary, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats and violations on firearms possession and use.

When he was booked into the Duval County jail, the Jacksonville Beach police added giving false information and drug possession (prescription drugs) in his charge sheet. Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck shared that they will process his papers so he can be brought back to the state where he has a warrant of arrest. Gatti will remain in the city’s jail until his extradition proceedings are completed.