At approximately 11:00AM this morning, the Danville Police Department arrested 22-year-old Darneill James Thomas of West Orange, New Jersey on an outstanding warrant for Homicide from Essex County, New Jersey.
On April 6, 2022, authorities from the Essex County New Jersey Sheriff’s Office notified the Danville Police Department that Darneill Thomas was wanted for homicide, had fled their area, and was in the Danville community. The Danville Police Department Investigations Bureau, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, started surveillance activities to locate Mr. Thomas. After around-the-clock surveillance, Mr. Thomas was confirmed to be in the City of Danville.
Surveillance was continued as the Danville Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team executed a tactical takedown, including a diversionary device deployment on the vehicle Darneill Thomas was riding in. The stop, takedown, and arrest occurred on Dibrell Alley at approximately 11:00AM this morning. Thomas was apprehended without further incident.
The Danville Police Department is continuing to assist authorities from New Jersey in the ongoing investigation of the homicide in their jurisdiction with follow-up evidence recovery searches in Danville.
Darneill Thomas is being held in the Danville City Jail as a fugitive from justice for the charges in New Jersey. He is currently held under no bond.