LIMA, Ohio — Donald “Chip” Pugh didn’t like the mugshot the cops posted of him online. So he sent them a better one, a selfie with a note that read: “Here is a better photo that one is terrible.”
The 45-year-old Pugh was wanted by police in the northwestern Ohio city of Lima because he’s accused of failing to appear in court on a DUI charge.
Police said he’s also a person of interest in other cases involving vandalism and an arson.
Tuesday morning, Pugh was arrested in Century, Florida, according to a Facebook post from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Lima police thanked their colleagues in their own post.
“Thanks to the power of social media & tips called into authorities, we have learned that Donald Chip Pugh has been arrested by the Escambia County Sheriffs Office in Florida,” it read.
“Thank you to Escambia County & to those who provided information and continue to support law & order.”
Thanks, but …
Lima police had previously posted Pugh’s mugshot on Facebook. They had his picture on file because he wasn’t a stranger to them.
Local newspaper the Lima News reported that Pugh’s previous run-ins with the police include charges of disorderly conduct, breaking and entering, and domestic violence.
The police department posted Pugh’s selfie on its Facebook alongside his previous booking photos, according to CNN affiliate WJW, noting first the active arrest warrant for him. “This photo was sent to us by Mr. Pugh himself. We thank him for being helpful, but now we would appreciate it if he would come speak to us at the LPD about his charges.”
No low profile
Since its posting on January 6, the photo had received over 2,000 likes, 1,500 shares and over 400 comments. One could say the man on the run gained a following.
In his original mugshot from his November arrest, Pugh is smiling. He told a local radio show, “Two Tons of Fun,” that he “refused to take a mean mugshot.”
“When I got arrested, I had never been arrested on a misdemeanor,” he told hosts Phil Austin and Ryan Staley. “So, I went in there and I was happy. I was smiling when the detective, when the officers booked me in. They were like, ‘Why are you smiling?’ I’m like, ‘Cause I’m gonna walk out of jail in a minute. I’m so happy.'”
“I had to go to court on December 28, and I just chose not to go,” Pugh said. “When I turn myself in, I’m only doing three days. It’s a three-day penalty.”
Pugh explained to the hosts that the officer who contacted him didn’t respect what he said, and he was arrogant with him. “Therefore, I couldn’t help but to get arrogant,” said Pugh.
