Task Force Arrests Murder Fugitive

Columbus, OH – United States Marshal Peter Tobin is pleased to announce Michael Nichols was arrested August 17, 2021 in Baytown, Texas. Nichols was wanted by the Columbus Police Department (CPD) and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority on separate warrants. Columbus Police Department Homicide Detectives obtained a Franklin Municipal Court arrest warrant charging Nichols with Murder on July 27, 2021. Adult Parole also issued an arrest warrant for Nichols on July 16, 2021. The Columbus Police Department charges for Nichol's stem from a firearm assault occurring on July 20, 2021 in the 400 Block of Columbian Ave, Columbus, Ohio.

The Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) adopted the fugitive investigation on August 16, 2021 at the request of the Columbus Police Department. Columbus Police investigators, Columbus Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, and Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team work together on this investigation. Investigators believed Nichols fled Ohio and was in the State of Texas. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Texas arrested Nichols in the 4000 Block of Interstate 10 East, Baytown, TX.

Columbus Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team is a fugitive-focused, U.S. Marshals Service-led task force consisting of local, state and federal authorities including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Hocking County Sheriff's Office, Lancaster Police Department, Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Secret Service, U.S. Attorney's Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Zanesville Police Department.

Anyone with information on any fugitive may send an anonymous tip to the Marshals by texting the keyword Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team and their message to 847411 (tip411). Anonymous web tips can also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals' website at USMS TIPS.