Police: Man Who Fled Trial In May is Captured

JACKSON (AP) - Michigan State Police captured a 53-year-old man who was wanted since he fled the last day of a criminal trial five months ago.

TV stations WNEM and WILX report Ricky Wheeldon was caught early Wednesday following a traffic stop in Ingham County's Leslie Township, about 70 miles west of Detroit.

Police arrested him without problems. He's jailed and told a judge he didn't know whether his lawyer still represents him.

A 62-year-old man driving the vehicle also was expected to face charges. Police say they found a loaded gun and suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle.

Authorities say Wheeldon ran a theft and drug ring. He stood trial in May and MLive.com reports a Jackson County jury convicted him of nine felonies, including running a criminal enterprise.

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