The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spotlighted Jassim Abdul Hussain Al-Samawi, a 55-year-old Iraqi national, as the Most Wanted Fugitive for April. To intensify efforts for his capture, authorities have raised the cash reward to $6,000 for information leading to his arrest during this month.
Al-Samawi is listed under the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants category, a program that aims to locate and apprehend individuals with serious criminal histories who pose a significant risk to public safety.
This reward increase is a strategic step to prompt public assistance in capturing a fugitive with a long and violent criminal record.
Who Is Jassim Abdul Hussain Al-Samawi?
Jassim Al-Samawi has an extensive criminal history in the state of Texas, particularly in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, with arrests spanning more than two decades. His record includes charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary of a habitation, arson, terroristic threats, and criminal mischief.
In April 2020, Al-Samawi was convicted of arson in Tarrant County and was sentenced to 10 years of probation. However, he has been on the run since August 2022 after violating the terms of his probation. As a result, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he has since been eluding law enforcement.
His criminal past and current fugitive status have made him a significant concern for Texas DPS and the communities where he is believed to be hiding.
Reward Increased to $6,000 for April
To encourage more public tips and cooperation, Texas DPS increased the cash reward to $6,000 for the month of April. This limited-time offer is part of the agency’s effort to bring Al-Samawi to justice and prevent further danger to the public.
Tips must be submitted via official channels to qualify for the reward:
- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit a web tip via the Texas 10 Most Wanted Website
- Report via Facebook, using the “Submit a Tip” feature on the DPS page
All tips are confidential. Tipsters remain anonymous and are issued a tip number for tracking purposes.
Physical Description and Potential Whereabouts
Al-Samawi is described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with multiple tattoos on both hands, arms, and his right leg. Authorities have reason to believe he is frequenting homeless shelters in the Fort Worth and Arlington areas.
He is considered armed and dangerous, and officials warn that no attempts should be made to apprehend him by civilians. Instead, anyone who believes they have seen him or have knowledge of his location should immediately contact authorities through the provided tip channels.
Texas DPS and the 10 Most Wanted Program
The Texas 10 Most Wanted Program is a collaborative initiative between Texas DPS, local law enforcement agencies, and the public, aimed at bringing dangerous fugitives to justice. The list is updated monthly, with a spotlight placed on certain individuals who pose the greatest threats.
Through cash rewards, public awareness, and media exposure, the program has successfully led to the capture of hundreds of criminals. According to Texas DPS, the reward structure and tip anonymity are key in motivating citizens to step forward with helpful information.
The Importance of Public Assistance
Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of community involvement in fugitive investigations. Many successful arrests in past cases have resulted directly from citizen tips. By increasing the reward and ensuring tipster anonymity, Texas DPS hopes more people will feel empowered to help.
“Fugitives like Al-Samawi rely on blending into communities,” a DPS spokesperson said. “We depend on vigilant citizens to help us find these individuals before they can cause more harm.”
Conclusion: Help Bring a Dangerous Fugitive to Justice
Texas DPS’s decision to increase the reward for Jassim Al-Samawi, April’s Featured Fugitive, underscores the urgency of capturing him. With a $6,000 cash reward available for a limited time, citizens are urged to report any information that could lead to his arrest.
For a full list of Texas’s Most Wanted and ongoing reward offers, visit the Texas DPS 10 Most Wanted site.
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