By Tamas Mondovics
After a two-day manhunt, Martin Winters of Valrico surrendered at FBI Tampa headquarters.
FBI special agent David Courvertier said that at around 10 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, June 18), Winters showed up in front of the reception area of the FBI office along with two attorneys and his daughter, ending his search which began on Monday morning.
(Please read previous stories below)
After more than 24 hours, the search for Martin Howard Winters continues with the addition of a reward of $5,000 for information of his whereabouts.
According to FBI officials, the 55-year-old Valrico man has been able to elude agents and numerous law enforcement partners that are now conducting the manhunt, which began in the Plant City area.
During a press conference this afternoon (Tuesday, June 17) FBI spokesperson David Courvertier told reporters that after being approached by law enforcement, Winters almost hit two officers as he initially fled in his car at a high rate of speed.
A short time later, officials found Winter’s overheated car vacant along the side of the road near a wooded area.
“He is a skilled survivalist and at this point he could be anywhere,” Courvertier said, adding that Winters may be armed and could be helped by his supporters.
“Out of caution, we have to believe that he is armed,” Courvertier said. “He may have found weapons or someone could have brought weapons to him.”
Officials hope to resolve this situation peacefully and hope that Winters will turn himself in and answer to Federal charges.
“So far no one has been hurt and we want to keep it that way,” Courvertier said. “This is a two-way street. We need Mr. Winters to work with us.”
Anyone with information about this subject or his current whereabouts should contact the Tampa FBI Field Office at 253-1000.
(Previously Reported)
The search which closed down several schools and some businesses continues this afternoon for a Valrico man wanted on federal charges involving the fabrication of destructive explosive devices.
The subject, Martin Howard Winters, 55, lives at 3032 Williams Blvd. in Valrico, near Lithia Pinecrest Elementary School.
According to FBI investigators at approximately 8:40 a.m. today (Monday, June 16), Winters was approached by law enforcement officials while he was in his vehicle on Cheryl Ct. in Plant City.
Upon seeing the officials, Winters first fled the scene in his vehicle. After a short time Winters abandoned his car and fled on foot into a wooded area where the search now continues.
The FBI is seeking information from anyone who has seen Winters or has been in contact with him today.
“We would like to bring this situation to a peaceful end and ask Mr. Winters to turn himself in,” said FBI agent Dave Courvertier.
Agents have now completed a search of Winters home.
Anyone with information about this subject or his current whereabouts should contact the Tampa FBI Field Office at 253-1000.
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