MARSHALL COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - Cops in Tennessee and Mississippi have been hunting fugitive Xavier Parks for weeks now. Parks is wanted for the vicious attack on 18-year-old Charles Hardeman in April.
Investigator says he orchestrated the plan to kidnap and rob Hardeman of $500. They're switching tactics in hopes of getting the gang member in custody as soon as possible.
"We've received a couple of calls through CrimeStoppers and also anonymous calls here at the sheriff's office," says Major Kelly McMillen.
Marshall County investigators are looking for fugitive Parks in Tennessee and Mississippi. McMillen says the public's tips are their best resource, but "through CrimeStoppers it takes a little while for the call to get to us. We can't react as fast than when we get a direct call here at the sheriff's office."
McMillen's now asking people to call 911 or the sheriff's office directly if they know where Parks is hiding.
"At this point we have three or four people in custody for the crime. Xavier is the last one with warrants."
"He does not have employment. He's getting financial help from some source to be able to stay on the run," says Sheriff Kenny Dickerson.
Parks is a well known member of the Vice Lord gang.
McMillen says he planned the attack on Charles Hardeman with Charles' sister, Ashley Hardeman, and two others.
The four tied the teen, threw him in a lake to drown and set his house on fire. Charles escaped but suffered a stroke and crashed into a tree driving for help.
Parks is wanted for kidnapping and aggravated assault, but he'll likely face even more charges.
"This guy has been in trouble before. He knows the system and knows that eventually we're going to catch up with him and we're going to get him," McMillen says.
There is a reward being offered for Parks' arrest.
Charles Hardeman is recovering at home.
