Landlord’s search leads to arrest
By John Zick The Leader

BATH — A 55-year-old man was arrested Monday after a Bath Police Department background check determined he was a fugitive wanted in New Jersey.

Bobby G. Morris was charged with being a fugitive from justice, wanted in New Jersey for felony drug possession. He was arraigned and sent to Steuben County Jail without bail.

Morris was captured around 8 p.m. Monday at the Budget Inn Motel on West Morris Street in the village of Bath. Police said he had been living in Bath for several months and was recently discharged from the Bath VA Medical Center.

Police determined Morris was a fugitive after he approached a local landlord seeking to rent an apartment. The landlord, who participates in a program that screens potential tenants, obtained a signed release that authorized the Bath Police Department to conduct a background check.

While processing the release, police determined Morris was wanted by the

Hudson County Sheriff’s Office in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Authorities then contacted the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and confirmed Morris was a wanted man.

Morris will remain in the county jail pending extradition proceedings.