Escaped Houston murder suspect arrested after standoff at Chicago restaurant – Houston Public Media

Officers barricade themselves around escaped convict Joshua Zimmerman, who barricaded himself a few blocks from the DNC. pic.twitter.com/S94FYHnwU6

— TENET Media (@watchTENETnow) 21 August 2024

According to the U.S. Marshals Service (MSUS), a Houston murder suspect was arrested in Chicago on Wednesday morning after allegedly fleeing Mississippi earlier this year.

Joshua Zimmerman, 30, was arrested at a Chicago restaurant just blocks from the Democratic National Convention, authorities said. He was arrested around 7:20 a.m. after an hours-long standoff with the Chicago Police SWAT team. The USMS said the arrest was not related to the ongoing Democratic National Convention.

The altercation began around 4 p.m. on Tuesday when Zimmerman allegedly barricaded himself in the empty restaurant, according to police. During the altercation, Zimmerman is said to have retreated into the ceiling.

In September 2023, Zimmerman was charged with the murder of 23-year-old Keyanna Mercer in Houston, according to a Houston Police Department suspicion report.

The victim was found dead of apparent gunshot wounds in a motel room at the Red Carpet Inn in the 6000 block of Hornwood Drive on Sept. 2, according to police. Officers said they were able to link Zimmerman to the crime through hotel records and surveillance video.

Later that month, Zimmerman was arrested in Desoto County, Mississippi, on two unrelated charges of attempted murder and armed robbery, according to the USMS.

On June 13, Zimmerman was being held in Hernando, Mississippi, when he allegedly escaped from the Desoto County Jail while awaiting trial, according to a USMS statement.

The USMS said it had been following up on possible leads since Zimmerman escaped from prison and identified him as a possible employee of the Chicago restaurant where the altercation with police occurred.

For security reasons, it has not yet been announced where Zimmerman will be transported, the USMS said.

Murder is a first-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It is unclear when Zimmerman will be extradited to Harris County on the murder charge.