Fugitive sought by deputies, drugs found in search

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A multi-agency search took over a Gibson County neighborhood Wednesday afternoon as officers searched for a dangerous man on the run.

Joshua Clifton, James Shull

U.S. Marshal’s, K-9’s, and even a helicopter swarmed the small community of Skullbone, searching for James Shull. Although they did not bring him back in cuffs, another arrest made it worth their while.

“They had received some information about where Mr. Shull might have been,” Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas said. “They needed some help so we sent a K-9 and deputies up there.”

With the help of a helicopter, the U.S. Marshal’s officers surrounded the property searching for Shull. He is no stranger to Gibson County law enforcement, wanted for reckless endangerment and failure to appear on an assault charge.

“He’s not a bad guy,” Sheriff Thomas said. “He just makes bad decisions and he gets on our radar pretty regularly.”

Shull was not hiding at the home but deputies did make another discovery while looking for him, drugs.

“There was a hole under the bathtub inside the house,” Thomas said. “When we pulled up one of the guys in the house admitted stuffing drugs down that hole and under the house.”

Although they only arrested Joshua Clifton on drug charges officers said it brought them one step close to catching Shull.

“We got some good intelligence on the whereabouts of Mr. Shull while we were there,” Sheriff Thomas said. “Anytime we can remove drugs out of the community it’s a win win for us.”

Officers said they determined Shull had been at the Skullbone home earlier Wednesday afternoon but was not there when they arrived.

Shull is described a 5-feet-10, and about 180 pounds. If you have seen him or know where he is call the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 855-1121.