NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — U.S. Marshals arrested a man wanted for murder in Charleston, West Virginia was arrested in Newport News after a 45-minute standoff Thursday morning.
Officers knocked on a door of a home in the 300 block of Hilltop Drive, Newport News and made it known they were U.S. Marshals. The suspect, 35-year-old Gerard “Rodo” Spencer started climbing out of a second-floor window in the back of the home.
Officers in the backyard challenged Spencer. He then climbed back into the home through the same window.
After about 45 minutes, Spencer surrendered to the U.S. Marshals and the Newport News Police Department.
Spencer was wanted for the April 6, 2019, 1st Degree Murder of 32-year-old Ronald Seawright Jr., who was shot and killed. U.S. Marshals said Spencer had been on the run since that day until he was caught on Thursday.
U.S. Marshals said he was captured because of the joint efforts of the Charleston Police Department, and the US Marshals for the Southern District of West Virginia.
“It is through the cooperation of law enforcement and the public that these outstanding accomplishments are performed," said United States Marshal Michael T. Baylous. "I am extremely proud of our Deputy United States Marshals, Task Force Officers, and the Charleston Police Department working side by side to protect and serve the citizens of West Virginia and our great nation! Because of the combined efforts Spencer’s run from justice ended, and today violent criminals know that if you endanger or harm the citizens of West Virginia law enforcement will never stop until you are brought to justice.”