On the evening of March 29, 2024, around 9:30 pm, Chipley Police Department received a distressing 911 hang-up call originating from a local motel.
Promptly responding to the call, officers arrived at the scene to find a previously occupied room with its door left ajar.
Upon further investigation, it became apparent that this location was potentially a crime scene.
Investigators were immediately summoned to the scene and ascertained that the individuals involved were a mother and her juvenile son.
It was discovered that they had been forcibly taken against their will by an identified suspect, Tony Edward Peterson.
Additionally, it was determined that Peterson had confiscated the victim’s phone, preventing any attempts to contact emergency services.
Subsequently, Peterson transported the victims to a neighboring town, where they managed to escape his custody.
With the invaluable assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Correction’s Dog Team, Peterson was located at an address in Carryville, FL, and promptly taken into custody.
Tony Edward Peterson has been charged with two counts of Kidnapping-False Imprisonment, and one count of Obstructing Justice.
The Chipley Police Department commends the swift action and collaboration of all involved agencies in ensuring the apprehension of the suspect.
We remind the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement.
