Suspect accused of child cruelty eludes capture in Tuolumne County

A man wanted on warrants that include charges of willful cruelty to a child is sought by the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office after eluding capture Friday.

Driving a black 2000 Honda Civic, 38-year-old Timothy Joel Burton led a deputy on a vehicle pursuit in Big Oak Flat on Friday afternoon. He got away when he drove off-road.

"The child-cruelty case was back in 2016," Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Sgt. Andrea Benson said in an email. "They were living outside in the elements, no running water, electricity or sewer. Baby was dirty, they were sleeping in a truck."

In addition to child cruelty, Burton is wanted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, driving on a suspended license, displaying false registration and leading law enforcement on a vehicle pursuit earlier this year.

Burton has brown hair and blue eyes. He is 6 feet tall and weighs about 180 pounds.

Last seen, he looked different than in photos provided by the Sheriff's Office. He is clean shaven and has shoulder-length hair.

Burton is listed as transient but believed to live in Big Oak Flat, Benson said.

Anyone who sees Burton is urged to call the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office at 209-533-5815.

This story was originally published October 16, 2017 at 6:58 AM with the headline "Suspect accused of child cruelty eludes capture in Tuolumne County."