Cape May Police Arrest Detroit Fugitive
Friday, February 17, 2017
(February 16, 2017)Cape May City, New Jersey - Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Chief Anthony Marino of the Cape May City Police Department announce the arrest of 38 year old Russell Charles Govett, a resident of St. Clair, Michigan.
On February 10, 2017, members of the Cape May City Police Department were contacted by members of the Detroit Police Department – Homicide Unit; regarding Russell Govett. Govett was currently a fugitive from justice from the State of Michigan and a suspect in a triple homicide in Detroit, Michigan. It was believed Govett was staying at an acquaintance's residence in Cape May City, New Jersey.
Members of the US Marshal’s Regional Task Force, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May City Police Department, and Lower Township Police Department initiated an investigation into the apprehension of Govett.
On February 11, 2017, Govett was observed by Detective Sergeant Austin walking in the City of Cape May and was apprehended without incident with the assistance of the other members of the participating agencies. At the time of his apprehension, Govett was found in possession of prescription legend drugs not prescribed to him.
At the time of the arrest Dana Esbensen (41) of the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Cape May, who was walking with Govett at the time of his arrest, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and released on a summons.
On February 11, 2017, Russell Govett was charged as a Fugitive from Justice, who was in violation of parole and Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs, a crime of the fourth degree.
Govett was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail, pending extradition back to Michigan.
Prosecutor Taylor relates this is an on-going investigation and urges citizens who may have information concerning this investigation to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, Cape May City Police Department at 609-884-9500, or anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800.