Rhode Island State Police announced on Thursday evening that after more than 20 years on the run, one of Rhode Island’s most wanted fugitives is now in custody.
Ronald Fischer was arrested without incident after his boat was intercepted off the coast of New Jersey, they said. His arrest followed a multi-state operation involving the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement partners.
Fischer fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial in 2005 and was later convicted in absentia of first-degree sexual assault.
“We are proud of the persistent, coordinated work that brought him to justice and the numerous troopers, both currently serving and retired, who pursued this case for the last two decades. They never stopped seeking justice for his victim and we are thankful for their dedication,” they said.
