Brittney Lofthouse
Contributing Writer
A search for fugitive Katlin Fitzgibbons was launched Tuesday afternoon after Fitzgibbons fled the Macon County Courthouse.
Fitzgibbons appeared in Macon County Superior Court in front of Superior Court Judge Bill Coward this week for felony charges of larceny and possession of stolen goods. Fitzgibbons was also on the docket for probation violations stemming from the additional charges she has incurred since being placed on probation in 2017 for misdemeanor larceny. Fitzgibbons was also convicted of felony breaking and entering as well as felony larceny during Macon County’s last Superior Court session held on Oct. 28. When she was convicted in October, she was given a suspended sentence of 24 months and placed on supervised probation, However on Tuesday, after being arrested again Monday for theft of ginseng, Judge Coward sentenced her to an active sentence of four months incarceration.
After being sentenced by Judge Coward on Tuesday, Fitzgibbons was escorted outside of the courthouse by Macon County Detention Officers. When detention officers went to unlock the transport vehicle, Fitzgibbons fled on foot and despite officers immediately pursuing her, Fitzgibbons was able to escape. Fitzgibbons was in a black long sleeve sweater or sweatshirt and was handcuffed.
Fitzgibbons was last seen running on Riverview Street and into the woods near Depot Extension. Following an extensive search by Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department and the North Carolina State Patrol, Fitzgibbons was unable to be located. Law enforcement continued searching throughout the night and have been following up on all information received. As of Wednesday morning, Fitzgibbons was still at large.
Fitzgibbons is described as a 27-year-old female with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5’ 03’’ and weighs 105 lbs.
Anyone who has any information as to her whereabouts are encouraged to contact 911 immediately. Anyone found to be assisting her will face prosecution. Additional charges are now pending which includes felony escape.
