On Friday, March 4, 2016, at approximately 7:00PM, Nolan County deputies responded to a residence located 609 Pease Street, Sweetwater, where Roman Royal, a wanted felon was reported to be hiding. Upon arriving, deputies spoke with Christina Batten, an 18 year-old female and girlfriend of Royal. Deputies later searched the residence but were unable to locate him.

At approximately 10:00PM, deputies along with Sweetwater Police and Fire units responded to the report of a structure fire at the same, 609 Pease Street address. Upon arrival, Sweetwater fire units engaged and were able to successfully extinguish the fire. A preliminary investigation was conducted, and it was found that Royal and Batten had left the residence together just before the fire was detected.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Sweetwater Police Department, the Sweetwater Fire Department and Fire Marshal.

Royal has an outstanding felony warrant issued out of Nolan County for Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, as well as additional out-of-county felony warrants. If you have information on the whereabouts or activities of this fugitive, you are encouraged to contact the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office at 325.235.5471, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 325.235.TIPS (8477), you may also submit a tip online.