A 17-year-old girl managed to escape from a moving patrol unit while en route to Upshur County Jail on the morning of September 27, 2023. The teenager had been arrested for criminal mischief and had sustained a wrist injury during a domestic incident.
According to law enforcement officials, the arresting officer did not handcuff the girl due to her calm demeanor during the arrest. This decision ultimately allowed her to lower the rear window of the patrol unit and escape from the moving vehicle. She then fled on foot from the deputy.
During her escape, the teenager flagged down a passing driver, claiming that someone was trying to harm her. Concerned for her safety, the driver offered her assistance and provided her with a ride. Subsequently, the police located the vehicle and took the girl back into custody, this time handcuffing her. She was then transported to the Upshur County Jail.
The driver who had picked up the teenager was released without any charges being filed against them.
