U.S. Marshals Capture Seymore After Month On The Run
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TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY – A month-long manhunt for 49-year-old Sam Seymore ended Monday night when U.S. Marshals and multiple law enforcement agencies captured the fugitive at his mother’s home on Highway 35 south in Tallahatchie County.
Seymore, who had been on the run since a July 10 multi-county pursuit that ended in the woods near Ascalmore Creek Road, was arrested after a tense standoff and a short foot chase into the woods. The U.S. Marshals Service took over the primary apprehension at the request of Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch.
“We put in a request with the marshals service for delegation of apprehension,” Gooch said. “They opened the case on him and came down to meet with family members Monday afternoon to gather clues. Once they learned he was likely inside the house, they got a search warrant.”
Four-Hour Operation
Marshals and deputies surrounded the property around 5 p.m. Monday, first attempting to call Seymore out of the house. After repeated refusals, tear gas was deployed, but it initially had little effect. Officers cleared the bottom floor and saw evidence Seymore had climbed into the attic, according to Sheriff Gooch.
To gain visibility, the Payne Volunteer Fire Department provided an off-road brush truck that was backed up to the eaves, allowing lights to illuminate the attic space.
“They tried to talk him out of the attic,” Gooch said. “He refused to come out, so they started using more tear gas.”
Around 9:30 p.m., Seymore jumped out of the attic, bolted through a side door, and ran into the woods. Officers pursued him through the dark, ultimately using a Taser to bring him down.
“We weren’t prepared for him to run, but we had a good perimeter set up,” Chief Deputy Thomas West said. “He is definitely a tough fellow.”
Weapons and Arrests
Inside the house, officers recovered multiple firearms and a stolen four-wheeler was also located on the property. Seymore’s sister, Rita Seymore, was arrested for aiding escape and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His girlfriend, Emily Cockerham, who was arrested last month in connection with the original chase, now faces additional charges.
Sam Seymore faces a growing list of charges: felony fleeing, grand larceny, attempted aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, multiple weapons charges, and a federal gun violation. Sheriff Gooch confirmed affidavits have already been signed for the earlier charges. The grand larceny charges come after Seymore allegedly stole a boat and trailer in Yalobusha County. Gooch also said federal prosecution is being pursued for the gun charges.
Transported and Evaluated
Following his capture, Seymore was evaluated at Tallahatchie General Hospital before being transported to the CCA facility in Tutwiler.
“He has a lengthy criminal history,” Gooch said. “We are glad the marshal service stepped in.”
The sheriff said assisting agencies included Pafford EMS, who had an ambulance on standby during the entire time, Payne Volunteer Fire Department, Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department, Batesville Police Department’s K-9, and the Mississippi Department of Corrections K-9 team from Parchman.
