Sticky Situation for Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in Licking County found themselves in a sticky situation on Monday.

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office said around 9:30 Monday morning 47-year-old Paul D. Posey, of Bremen, was taken into custody for a civil protection order violation at 64 Kenyon Place in Harbor Hills.

While handcuffed Posey escaped from the rear seat of a sheriff’s cruiser and ran into a marshy channel nearby.

A K-9 handled by Heath Police and Pataskala Police located the suspect in the marsh.

The suspect had buried himself in the mud, which was surrounded by thick cattails with only his elbows visible to the officers.

The recovery proved a challenge as both Posey and officers became lodged in the waist deep mud.

With assistance from other officers and EMS personnel they were safely removed without injury.

Deputies will pursue escape charges against Posey as well as other charges related to the violation of the CPO.

The means by which Posey was able to escape from the cruiser are being investigated.

The Licking Township Fire Department, ODNR, and Buckeye Lake PD also assisted on the incident.