Florida Tips Lead to Swift Arrest of Woman Newly Added to FBI’s Most Wanted List

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A woman who had been evading capture for almost six years was finally apprehended in Florida on Wednesday. Her arrest came mere hours after the FBI included her in its “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list, promising a $1 million reward for information leading to her capture.

KaShawn Nicola Roper, aged 50, was sought by authorities for allegedly opening fire on a vehicle in Missouri back in August 2020. The shooting resulted in two women being struck, one of whom tragically lost her life.

“KaShawn Roper managed to evade justice for nearly six years,” FBI Director Kash Patel shared with Fox News Digital. “Once she was added to our Ten Most Wanted list, we received an influx of tips, and thanks to our partners, she was apprehended within hours.”

Roper was taken into custody just a day after being featured on the FBI’s notorious list. (FBI)

Following Roper’s inclusion on the list on Tuesday, the FBI reported that they were inundated with tips from Florida early Wednesday. These tips detailed sightings of a person matching Roper’s description, who was seen hastily loading a vehicle with personal items.

Officials said partners rapidly coordinated, and using the description of the vehicle in question, conducted a traffic stop and took her into custody.

KaShawn Nicola Roper was arrested after allegedly dodging authorities on murder charges for more than half a decade. (FBI)

Roper was subsequently booked into the Alachua County jail and is charged with second degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon in Missouri, along with a federal charge for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Patel added eight of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives have been captured in just over a year, more than double the previous four years combined.

Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), speaks during a news conference at the scene of a shooting. Two National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington near the White House, and a suspect is in custody, officials said Wednesday. The news conference took place in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg)

“Outstanding work by FBI Kansas City, FBI Jacksonville, and our state and local partners in Florida and Missouri,” Patel said.