AUSTIN – Fernando Thompson, 57, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, is now in custody after being captured Friday morning in Albuquerque, N.M. Thompson was wanted for felony failure to comply with civil commitment requirements after he removed his ankle monitor on Nov. 24 and fled from an Austin halfway house. The arrest was not the result of a tip and no reward will be paid.
An Albuquerque Police Department officer arrested Thompson following a random traffic stop at approximately 3 a.m. CT Friday, and was transported to the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque. His criminal history includes aggravated sexual assault of a child and sexual assault. In June 2005, Thompson was required to participate in the civil commitment program.
So far in 2015, DPS and other agencies have arrested 29 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders, including 20 sex offenders, and $79,000 in rewards have been paid for tips that resulted in arrests.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, there are four different ways to provide anonymous tips:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about, and then clicking on the link under their picture.
- Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
- Submit a tip through the DPS mobile app. The app is currently available for iPhone users on the Apple App Store and for Android users on Google Play.
All tips are anonymous – regardless of how they are submitted.
DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives featured in the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program. To view the current lists – with photos – visit the DPS website.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
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