Facebook post about Huse goes viral, leads to arrest

Suspect in custody after public online communication with local authorities
A Facebook post by the Aurora-Marionville Police Department (AMPD) asking for information regarding the whereabouts of Aurora resident Austin Huse on Tuesday, Sept. 17, resulted in Huse’s arrest later that night. While the AMPD accomplished their goal of locating Huse with the post, the post itself has since taken on a life of its own.
The AMPD initially made a statement that read, “We are requesting immediate assistance in locating a wanted individual - Austin Huse. He has outstanding felony warrant(s) for his arrest.”
Huse, 26, later posted his reply to the AMPD, stating “What’s up?”
The AMPD answered, “Congratulations! You’ve won a complimentary stay - all expenses paid! We just need to deliver you your winnings.Any chance we could do that tonight?”
Huse made other comments, including one where he asked, “Is Mr. 833 on duty tonight,” and another where he said he was in Alaska. In one exchange, he told a poster, “They’re not really looking for me.” To this, the AMPD replied, “We really are looking for you! It’s been too long. Call me? Dinner and lodging tonight is on me, I promise this time it will be different.”
The post attracted several other comments, with the number reaching some 1,100 as of press time. Some were in support of Huse, and some were in support of the AMPD.
Other posters simply made jokes. The City of Republic got in on the action with their comment, “Thank y’all for coming to ‘Austin Awareness Month’”, among other comments they made. Black Betty Golf also made a post promising to drop off a large order of biscuits and gravy and donuts from Jim Carr Oil if Huse turned himself in. According to a post by the AMPD, they actually did drop off the promised food items, though it wasn’t immediately clear if Huse turned himself in or was apprehended. The AMPD added that Huse did not get to eat any of the donuts or biscuits and gravy.

Taken into custody
Following Huse’s being taken into custody, a picture of him in handcuffs, flanked by AMPD Officers Tatum Maples and Bodee Hern, was posted as part of an update, with a message that stated, “Community entertained; post possibly going viral; Austin Huse in custody (he wasn’t in Alaska).”
As of press time, Huse remained in custody at the Lawrence County Jail. According to online court records, he is currently facing charges in Lawrence County of: resisting arrest, second-degree burglary and driving with a revoked or suspended license. In Stone County, he faces a stealing charge.
The viral post can still be seen on the Aurora-Marionville Police Department Facebook page.