Home Augusta County: Is an escapee from a work release site on the loose?
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Augusta County: Is an escapee from a work release site on the loose?

Chris Graham
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Photo: © MargJohnsonVA

An AFP reader got an alert through the county emergency notification system on Friday night about an escapee from a work release at the animal shelter in Verona, and … nobody seems to want to update the public on whatever is going on there.

The reader alerted us to the notification on Sunday morning.

Here was what was sent out:

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for an escaped inmate that was working on work release at the SAW animal shelter in Verona. The individual is a white male, 5’7, 180 pounds, bald with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve gray shirt, khakis, a white hat, sneakers and has several tattoos. He was last seen today at 4:08 p.m. If subject is seen, contact 9-1-1. It is unknown if he is armed or dangerous. Use caution and do not approach the subject.

We sent a question in an email timestamped 9:42 a.m. Sunday to the sheriff, Donald Smith, and to Leslie Snyder, the administrative lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Office who handles media inquiries for Smith, to ask for an update on the reported escapee.

I’m writing this sentence at 7:13 p.m. Sunday, so, nine and a half hours later.

No response.

We’ll update the story on the possible escapee if and when we get anything.

 

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

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