Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputies celebrated Leap Day by bringing in two fugitives from justice, one local and one from the state of Rhode Island.
On Thursday, February 29 just after 2 p.m., deputies located a tan Jeep bearing a Rhode Island temporary tag that was known to be driven by Hongnian Guo, 50. Guo was wanted on a nation-wide fugitive warrant from Rhode Island for Violation of a Court Order.
Guo told deputies that he had been accused of communicating with a Chinese spy and fled to Florida, violating the court order. While FCSO cannot verify this claim however, Guo was arrested by the Barrington, RI Police Department for possessing “ghost guns” about eight days ago. He was arrested for being a fugitive from justice and taken to Advent Health for evaluation of a previously existing medical condition and was then transported to the Sherrif Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he is currently being held without bond.
An hour later, deputies located a white pickup truck whose license plate matched that of a vehicle involved in a trailer theft on February 27, driving West on State Road 100 near County Road 35.
When the vehicle stopped at a residence off Forest Park Street in Bunnell, deputies conducted a traffic stop. The driver identified himself as Bunnell resident Michael Conklin, 32. Conklin is no stranger to law enforcement. He’s been arrested four times in as many years for charges including Grand Theft and Violation of Probation. He told the deputies he knew his license was suspended and said that he frequently takes back roads in an effort to avoid detection.
He was arrested on multiple felony charges including an active Flagler County warrant for Violation of Probation, Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge, and Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling.
“I’m proud of our deputies for using Leap Day to get the jump on these fugitives,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “In both cases, these wanted men thought they could drive through Flagler County without being caught. They learned the hard way that was the wrong decision and that if you have an outstanding warrant, all roads lead to the Green Roof Inn.”
