Chase Starts in Z-ville Ends With Arrest in Alabama

A chase for a drug suspect that started in Zanesville ends with an arrest in Birmingham, Alabama. Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz and U.S. Marshall Peter Tobin announced the arrest of Anthony Colston Jr. who has been wanted by the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office since January 2017. Colston, who went by the street name of “Dough”, along with numerous other people, was named in an eight count drug indictment issued in Zanesville. They were charged with distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, all within close proximity of schools and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Colston was the last member of the group to be apprehended. Authorities say he had a weapon and had to be talked out of the home where he was arrested. He also faces a gun charge and is jailed awaiting extradition to Muskingum County.

(Full Press Release)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – U.S. Marshal Peter Tobin and Muskingum County Sheriff Matthew Lutz are pleased to announce that the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST), along with the Muskingum County Sheriffs Office and with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service-Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF), have arrested Anthony Colston Jr. who has been wanted by the Muskingum County Sheriffs Department since January 2017. Colston, who went by the street name of “Dough,” along with numerous other people, was named in an eight count drug indictment issued by the Muskingum County Common Pleas Court. Among the charges, Colston and others were charged with distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, all within close proximity of schools and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The charges stem from months long investigation in Zanesville, Ohio and elsewhere. Colston was the last member of the group to have been apprehended. Deputy US Marshals from the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) adopted the case and the chase was on. Members of Colston’s extended family and friends were identified and eventually followed back to a residence in Hueytown, Alabama. Members of Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with state and local officers, made contact with the residents of the house on Chapel Drive, and called them out. Colston, while armed with a pistol, refused to exit the residence. After negotiating with members of the Marshals Service team, Colston finally surrendered and was immediately arrested. A pistol, that was later determined to have been stolen, which was in the possession of Colston at the time of his arrest, was recovered at the scene. Charges for possessing this stolen weapon are now pending against Colston. Colston was slated into a local jail and is currently awaiting extradition back to Zanesville, Ohio for the above charges.