CT man who eluded authorities for several hours apprehended in wooded area

A man with a warrant out for his arrest was apprehended in Putnam late Thursday, hours after authorities searched for him in a wooded area using K-9 units and drones.

Devin O’Neil, 29, of Killingly faces charges of interfering with police and second-degree breach of peace, according to Connecticut State Police.

State police said O’Neil was first spotted just before 11:30 a.m. as members of the Killingly Police Department were on their way to an unrelated call and they saw him walking in the area of Five Mile River Road in Putnam. Police were aware that there was a warrant out for his arrest.

According to state police, O’ Neil fled into a wooded area, prompting a search by authorities that included K-9 units, drones and the Connecticut State Police Air Wing.

Throughout the day and into the evening hours, state police Troop D in Danielson received several 911 calls from residents who reported seeing O’Neil running through their yards in the area of Chase Road, Five Mile River Road and North Road, according to state police.

State police said O’Neil was able to elude authorities until they received a call around 9:20 p.m. from a resident on North Road who reported seeing him walking down their driveway and onto the road heading south.

Shortly thereafter, state police said O’Neil was found in a wooded area hiding in tall grass. He was taken into custody and held on $20,000 bond. He was expected to be arraigned in Danielson Superior Court on Friday.