A fugitive was caught after he literally ran into a police SWAT team that was training in the area.

Derreke Nelson had been wanted by US authorities after he failed to check-in with his parole officer last month in Provo, Utah.

He was on parole for theft and other charges, and a warrant was issued for his arrest when he did not show up to his meeting on 22 February.

Officers then spotted Nelson, 39, in a car with two other people on Thursday, and when they tried to pull the vehicle over, the trio fled.

A primary school was put in lockdown while authorities carried out a search.


Nelson was later arrested when he ran into a group of 30 SWAT officers and three police dog handling units, who were on a training exercise, and he was taken to Utah county jail.

Another of the other suspects was also detained.

Provo Police said in a statement: "A fugitive ran from adult probation and parole agents in Provo.

"Provost elementary school went into soft lockdown mode for a short time while officers assisted AP&P agents in a search that resulted in a speedy arrest.

"Of course, it helps when fugitives run right into a crowd of 30 SWAT officers and three K9 units who just happen to be training in the area."