Posted by Christie Casciano - Each week we work with the Central New York fugitive task force to profile a wanted criminal. When you talk to police, they'll tell you these fugitives pose threats to our community .   

When they're on the run, they often commit other crimes.  When we began  "Fugitive of the week" six months ago, we never thought we would have this much success.  Accused drug dealers, prostitutes, repeat drunk drivers, burglars and sexual predators have been profiled, and caught thanks to NC9 viewers.  To date, 17 fugitives profiled on NewsChannel 9 have been caught.

One of the most impressive captures happened  with the arrest of a repeat drunk driver.  After our story aired, a viewer called the task force  tip line to report seeing the fugitive raking leaves in a yard in  Elbridge.  The officers headed right out and there he was,  just as the viewer had  reported.  The wanted man was outside of a home raking leaves and shocked when police showed up to take him in.  There  were two cases of fugitives turning themselves in after seeing themselves on the news

The Central New York Fugitive Task force says  NewsChannel 9 viewers have become a crucial part of tracking down fugitives.   These hard working police officers want to send out a thank you, to you!  Check out  the fugitives every week  by Clicking on " The Protectors" on the home page.