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Wanted Cherokee Co. man who evaded U.S. Marshals captured

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Law enforcement officials tell Channel 2 Action News they have located a wanted fugitive after he nearly ran down police officers and shot at them.
 
Investigators told Channel 2 Action News that deputies were assisting the U.S. Marshal's Office to serve a warrant on Billy Lee Owens at about 4 p.m. Tuesday near Highway 36 in Lamar County.

Authorities said Owens was caught when he attempted to cross out of the wood line and get into a home when a law enforcement officer spotted him. He was apprehended without incident.
 
Tuesday, witnesses said as officers attempted to take Owens into custody, shots were exchanged and a short vehicle chase ensued, but the suspect got away. A neighbor said Owens made contact with one of the Marshals with the van and a Marshal fired as Owens sped off.

The U.S. Marshals office said Owens possibly stole another vehicle in Cherokee County. He was later spotted in Lamar County and was involved in another chase with authorities.

Owens was apprehended Wednesday evening. He told Channel 2 Action News he hasn't done anything wrong.

Rockdale, Coweta and Pike county sherriff's offices, as well as U.S. Marshals and the GBI assisted in the search.

Owens, 36, has open warrants in Fayette and Pike counties, as well as new charges in Merriweather and Cherokee counties after he used a stolen van to escape from Tuesday’s arrest attempt, according to the U.S. Marshal’s Office.

Investigators said Owens has an extensive criminal history with several convictions for violent crimes and narcotics.

Owens was transported to the Lamar County Jail to face charges.