SWEETWATER, Tenn. — The U.S. Marshals Service said federal and local law enforcement arrested a fugitive wanted for drug crimes after finding him hiding in the ductwork underneath a home in Sweetwater.

According to the service and Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones, authorities found the man, Michael Blackwell, hiding under a home on Old Highway 68 in Sweetwater on Wednesday. Marshals said it was a challenge getting him out of the ductwork.

The Sweetwater Police Department, Blount County Sheriff's Office, Monroe County Sheriff's Office and 10th Judicial Drug Task Force assisted in the arrest.

"Working alongside our federal partners, our deputies provided critical support in locating and safely taking the suspect into custody. This operation highlights the strong partnerships between loc

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