Man Helps Police Capture Suspect of Multiple Murders After Spotting Him in the Woods

A Tennessee man, Ricardo Contreras, played a crucial role in the quick arrest of a notorious suspect linked to a series of deadly crimes. While painting a house, Contreras noticed a suspicious figure in the woods nearby. Recognizing the danger and knowing about the ongoing manhunt, he promptly contacted police.

Contreras described seeing someone moving in the woods, dressed in a sweater with something on his head, and initially thought it could be the wanted suspect. He told authorities, “I saw someone moving in the woods, it was hard to tell if it was the person they were looking for, but I knew I had to call.” Without hesitation, he made the 911 call, informing officers of the sighting.

His swift action paid off. Police arrived shortly after the report and apprehended the suspect, Austin Drummond, approximately 15 minutes later. Contreras stated, “I was still on the phone when they arrived, with a helicopter on scene. It was impressive how quickly they responded.” The father of two expressed relief that the suspect was no longer on the streets, especially given the danger to his community and family. “We can sleep better tonight,” he said, adding that his young children, frightened by the events, had been sleeping with him and his partner recently.

Drummond had been on the run after allegedly murdering four individuals—Matthew Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Braydon Williams, 15; and Cortney Rose, 38—about 40 miles away. The victims included a seven-month-old baby, found abandoned in a yard in Tigrett. Police said the motive remains unclear, but they believe the killings were targeted, not random.

Authorities had offered a $37,000 reward for information leading to Drummond’s arrest. However, Contreras emphasized that he acted out of a sense of responsibility rather than for reward money. His tip led to Drummond’s capture in Tiptonville, ending a week-long manhunt.

Drummond, who was previously convicted of aggravated robbery and out on bond for attempted murder at the time of the killings, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and firearm violations for being a felon in possession of a weapon. Three accomplices were also arrested, charged with assisting him after the crimes.