LAS VEGAS (AP) - An Air Force officer and drone pilot who fled a court-martial sentencing this month at a Air Force base in Nevada was found dead of an apparent suicide in California, authorities said.
Capt. Kevin Larson, 33, was convicted of multiple charges Jan. 17 by a Nellis Air Force Base jury, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Monday.
Larson was convicted on charges of drug possession, drug use, drug distribution, assault, false official statement and conduct unbecoming of an officer, said officials at Creech Air Force Base, where he was stationed.
Larson fled before he could be sentenced to dismissal from the Air Force, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol attempted to stop Larson about 700 miles (1,130 kilometers) from Las Vegas, but Larson evaded authorities in his 2018 Jeep Wrangler, Mendocino County deputies said.
Air Force special agents located Larson’s Jeep the next day and were prepared to move in, but decided not to after Larson allegedly communicated suicidal statements to a friend, deputies said.
Larson was found dead before they could arrest him, authorities said.
Larson entered active duty in 2012 before he was promoted to captain in 2016.
Larson’s family members were not immediately available for comment.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.