McHenry Co. nabs one of its top 10 fugitives

Returning to McHenry County to visit family and friends may not have been the best move for Richard D. Birkett.

Birkett, 30, now residing in Arizona, is listed as one of the top 10 most wanted fugitives in McHenry County on the sheriff's Web page.

While in Crystal Lake visiting friends Monday, Birkett was spotted by a sheriff deputy who recognized him from the Web page, officials said. He was arrested Monday night on outstanding warrants from 2005 for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, manufacture and deliver of marijuana, battery and disorderly conduct, sheriff officials announced.

He was taken into custody Monday by members of the most wanted apprehension unit and detective division of the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.

Birkett now is in the McHenry County Jail, the news release said.

The sheriff's office created the top 10 to try and apprehend fugitives wanted for crimes committed in McHenry County. Fugitives are chosen to be on the list based on the crimes committed in McHenry County. Birkett was number 10 on the list.