A Florida Keys fugitive, sought on drug charges, has been apprehended in Nebraska. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 33-year-old Justin Michael O'Berry in Nebraska on Tuesday. O'Berry was wanted for multiple drug-related offenses, including trafficking cocaine and possession of methamphetamine. He also faced charges for fleeing and eluding law enforcement and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Previous Encounters with Law Enforcement
O'Berry's arrest stems from a prior incident where he allegedly ran over a Monroe County Sheriff's deputy while attempting to evade capture. The incident occurred in January 2023. The deputy sustained injuries during the encounter. Following this event, O'Berry became a fugitive, actively sought by authorities. The Keys Weekly reported on the ongoing search for O'Berry after the incident.
The Sheriff's Office collaborated with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Nebraska State Patrol to locate and apprehend O'Berry. The successful capture occurred without further incident. O'Berry is currently being held in Nebraska and will be extradited back to Florida to face the charges against him.
This arrest marks the culmination of a multi-agency effort to bring O'Berry to justice. The Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance from their federal and state partners. The investigation into the drug charges and the events leading to the deputy's injury remains ongoing. Further details are expected to be released as the legal process unfolds. The Keys Weekly provided initial reports on the fugitive's capture.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office continues its commitment to public safety and ensuring that individuals who pose a threat to the community are held accountable. The case highlights the challenges of apprehending fugitives who flee across state lines and the importance of inter-agency collaboration. Information regarding O'Berry's court proceedings will be made available as they progress. For more information on law enforcement efforts in the Keys, residents can refer to the Keys News website.



