New billboards up in Tampa Bay area of man wanted on attempted murder charge

SARASOTA -- There are now electronic billboards throughout Tampa Bay of a man wanted on an attempted murder charge who was seen last Monday in Sarasota, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Higginbotham, 43, has a warrant for attempted murder and additional charges pending, according to a report.

On Aug. 30, sheriff's office spokeswoman Wendy Rose said Higginbotham viciously attacked his former girlfriend at her home and tried to smother her with a pillow.

"He also would not let the woman and her teenage daughter leave their home," Rose said. "The vicitm was eventually able to run to a neighbor for help and he fled the area."

Rose said he also faces a false imprisonment charge.

Deputies said Higginbotham was last spotted on Sept. 21 on Bayonne Street in Sarasota but ran away.

In a partnership with the United States Marshals Service, Clear Channel Communications has put information on Higginbotham on billboards throughout the area.

When he was spotted, deputies said Higginbotham appeared clean shaven and was wearing jean shorts, a dark T-shirt and black athletic shoes. He is 5-foot-11 weighs 170 pounds, according to a release.

Higginbotham has a long criminal history outside of Sarasota County and could be armed, the sheriff's office said. Residents were urged not to make contact with him.

The United States Marshals Service is offering $2,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest of Higginbotham, according to a release.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 941-915-7878.

This story was originally published September 28, 2015 at 9:24 PM with the headline "New billboards up in Tampa Bay area of man wanted on attempted murder charge ."