Kearney police arrested a wanted fugitive on Monday, August 11, after a brief standoff that temporarily shut down northbound Interstate 35.

Officers were alerted by another agency that a 47-year-old Mooresville man, wanted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, might be traveling through the area. The suspect was wanted on felony charges of first-degree rape and first-degree statutory rape of a juvenile under 14, who is a family member.

Police located the suspect driving a semi-truck northbound on I-35 near 92 Highway and initiated a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver refused to exit the vehicle and barricaded himself for several minutes before surrendering peacefully following negotiations.

Chief Mark Thomas posted on Facebook about the danger of these types of situations, “The suspect was reported to be suicidal as well, which escalated our safety concerns not only for the suspect, but also for our officers.”

The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to jail on his outstanding warrants. He is being held without bond.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story