POSTED: Thursday, July 5, 2012 - 3:16pm
UPDATED: Thursday, July 5, 2012 - 9:34pm
BATON ROUGE, LA — UPDATE: Earlier today several tips were phoned in to Crime Stoppers about the two teens who escaped from Jetson Correctional Center. A perimeter was set up and officers have been searching the area of East Harrison at Thomas Delpit to Highland Road.
We’re told the teens were spotted walking in the area.
A cash reward is being offered for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest of the teens. If you know anything call Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7867). You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637). Include CS225 at the beginning of your message.
ORIGINAL STORY: Two youth absconded Tuesday night from Jetson City Center for Youth (JCY).
OJJ staff are working with local authorities to locate the youth, including State Police, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge City Police, Baker City Police and Zachary City Police. A chase team with tracking dogs from Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson deployed to track the youth.
The two youth are Demonte Washington, 15, 5’6”, 140 pounds, the other is Clarence McWilliams, 18, 5’10”, 162 pounds. Both are from Baton Rouge. Their offenses ranged from simple burglary to carjacking.
Escaped youth are considered potentially dangerous and unpredictable. The public is urged in all cases to exercise caution if approached by strangers asking to use telephones or enter their houses.
The youth were found to be missing about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday night. According OJJ protocol, local law enforcement agencies were alerted to the escape.
“Public safety is our prime concern, as well as the safe return of the youth to state custody,” said OJJ Deputy Secretary Dr. Mary L. Livers. “We are grateful to the local law enforcement agencies for their assistance in seeking the youth. We will undertake a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding this incident."
To ensure public safety, OJJ employs an automated call system to inform area residents of incidents such as escapes. The call system was activated immediately when the youth were noted to be missing.
OJJ staff and local law enforcement searched through the night for the youth and the search continues today.
If you know anything about this incident call Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7867). You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637). Include CS225 at the beginning of your message.