Juvenile inmate escapes in New Kent but apprehended a short time later

A juvenile inmate, who fled into nearby woods after escaping from a juvenile correctional facility van while the vehicle was stopped in New Kent County for gasoline, was taken back into custody after being sighted a short time later on Interstate 64.

The incident took place around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday just after the van pulled into the Pilot convenience store located on Route 106 (Emmaus Church Rd.) near the Talleysville (mile marker 211) interchange.

The van was carrying three male juvenile inmates, and was driven by a female correctional officer, the only officer on board. The van was returning to Merrimac Juvenile Correction Center in James City County following a court appearance for the juveniles in Caroline County, said New Kent Detective Lt. Joey McLaughlin.

One of the inmates, a 15-year-old, kicked out a rear window in the van, and despite being in handcuffs and leg shackles, jumped from the vehicle, making his way into nearby woods across Route 106 from the Pilot station. The correctional officer alerted authorities and remained with the van to guard the other two inmates, who did not flee, McLaughlin said.

New Kent Sheriff’s Office personnel and State Police troopers arrived minutes later, quickly establishing a perimeter and engaging in a search. After about 30-40 minutes and with the help of several passersby, officers spotted the juvenile attempting to run away on I-64 near the Talleysville exit where he was taken back into custody without incident. Eventually, the juvenile was returned to the correctional center, McLaughlin said.

As a result of the incident, the juvenile faces charges that are now pending in New Kent.