Deputies still searching for home invasion suspect

UPDATE: James Hill is now facing charges in Carroll County including attempted murder in the Monday home invasion in the Buena Vista community that sent a 96-year-old woman to the hospital.

Hill is charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and theft of property under $1,000, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone who sees Hill or knows where he may be is urged to call local law enforcement immediately.

Original Story:

BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. — James Hill was last spotted running from officers in Camden. Officers said they have Hill’s accomplice in custody, but they still need help finding Hill, and authorities say he could be anywhere.

James Hill

Hill spent another night on the run Wednesday after investigators said a Camden police officer spotted him and Dakota Baggett Tuesday night at a gas station.

“He pulled up and approached the two subjects, spoke with them, and at that time one of them walked away from him while he was loading the other one into the car, taking him into custody, and the other one turned and ran on foot,” Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher said.

Baggett is now in custody, but Sheriff Christopher said Hill ran to a nearby Dollar Tree where he changed clothes and left his shirt in the trash.

“We brought in THP helicopters, we brought in tracking dogs with the Marshals Service and searched the area for several hours and did not find the second person,” Sheriff Christopher said.

Baggett is suspected in two home invasions. The first in Carroll County that sent a 96-year-old woman to the hospital, and the second in Humphreys County where an 80-year-old man was hurt.

“I feel according to our victim they may have left the residence and left him for dead,” Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said.

Sheriff Davis said deputies from Carroll and Humphreys counties executed search warrants Wednesday morning on the stolen vehicle found at the scene.

“Items was also found in relationship to the break-in or the incident that happened here in New Johnsonville,” Sheriff Davis said.

Humphreys County deputies said Hill has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2008, which includes drug, theft and probation charges. Sheriff Christopher said Hill has been arrested in Benton County several times as well.

Investigators said it is important to recognize situations like this. “There are people out there that prey on those of us that have big hearts and try to help people. Please be aware of these types of situations,” Sheriff Davis said.

Dakota Baggett is being held at the Benton County Jail on an outstanding warrant. He’ll be taken to Carroll County next.  The Humphreys County Sheriff’s Department is offering a cash reward for your help finding Hill.

If you have seen him or know where he may be, call your local law enforcement.