Digital Billboard Publicity Helps Capture FBI Fugitive

February 18, 2010 - NEWARK, NJ—Kevin Cruise, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Newark Division, announced the capture of Ronald Johnson, a fugitive wanted by the East Orange Police Department for armed robbery, and also by New Jersey State Parole for a violation of parole. The arrest occurred approximately 11:00 a.m. at 171 Isabella Avenue in Newark, New Jersey without incident and was executed by FBI agents and task force officers, U.S. Marshals, and officers from the office of New Jersey Parole.

The FBI worked the matter as a fugitive investigation on behalf of the East Orange Police Department. Since February 4, 2010, Johnson had been featured on the Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards throughout Northern New Jersey, which includes locations on Routes 80, 280, 78, 287, and the New Jersey Turnpike, northbound and southbound. The Newark office of the FBI received a tip from a citizen who saw Johnson’s picture featured on the billboards and pointed law enforcement in the right direction.

“This is a great example of how technology is helping to build the relationship between the public and law enforcement and make our communities safer. We all owe Clear Channel a debt of gratitude for their assistance—assistance they provide the FBI and the taxpayers free of charge. This capture also demonstrates that the public can make a difference in their community by simply staying alert and picking up the phone when they see something that doesn’t look right. There is no room for apathy in today’s fast-paced world.”

“When law enforcement agencies team up to share resources and manpower, the public is made safer,” said New Jersey State Parole Board Chairman Yolette C. Ross. “This fugitive was captured due to our innovative partnership and lots of hard work. I commend all of the parole and police officers who pursued this case to its successful conclusion.”

The FBI’s partnership with Clear Channel began when an executive from the company approached the FBI in 2007 and offered to provide space on their collection of digital billboards in 20 locations throughout the country to help capture fugitives and rescue kidnapped children. As of January 30, 2009, the billboards directly resulted in the capture of 14 fugitives. That number has since grown higher. In New Jersey, the fugitive announcements are issued by the FBI and a request is made to the New York City office of Clear Channel Outdoor. On January 15, 2010, Clear Channel and the FBI teamed up to unveil a digital billboard in Times Square in New York City that features FBI fugitives from all around the country.

For more information on the FBI partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, visit www.fbi.gov. If you have information regarding any fugitive featured on a digital billboard in New Jersey, please contact the FBI at 973-792-3000. Citizens are reminded that they should never attempt to apprehend a fugitive themselves. In the event of an emergency, call 911.