A high school football coach from Virginia, who is facing charges of child sexual abuse, reportedly took a firearm with him when he left his home in Appalachia earlier this month.

Travis Turner, whose family is represented by a law firm, was reportedly last observed entering a dense forest with a gun, according to an announcement on Friday. Attorney Adrian Collins noted that Turner departed before authorities issued a warrant for his arrest, as per ABC News.

“The family’s final interaction with Travis was around Thursday, November 20, when he left his home carrying a firearm and headed into a heavily wooded and hilly region,” stated Collins.

Later that same evening, Turner’s wife, worried about his absence, reached out to the police to report him missing.

The attorney’s statement mentioned, “She was informed that a missing person report could not be filed until 24 hours had elapsed.”

“The following day, she filed a missing-person report with the Virginia State Police. The family has cooperated fully with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis.”

As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Virginia State Police listed Turner as missing on November 20. At that time, Turner was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a gray shirt, and glasses.

Turner was the head football coach of an undefeated team at Union High School in Big Stone Gap that was headed to the playoffs, and he is now considered a fugitive.

Turner is “wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography,” along with five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

Police have been focused on the wooded area where Turner was last seen entering with K-9 units and drones.

“Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones, and K9s, to assist in the search,” the police statement said.

“VSP’s main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive.”

According to ABC, the Turner family attorney said that Turner’s family and friends are also searching.

“These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway,” the statement said. “It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.”

Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with any information about Turner or his whereabouts to contact them.

His family and friends want him home safe and to have his day in court to defend himself, WCSC reported.

[Feature Photo: Travis Turner/Instagram]