A Nevada inmate’s daring attempt at freedom was cut short thanks to a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, aided by a vigilant tipster, as reported by authorities.
Footage from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office captures the moment 23-year-old Chase Orput, without a shirt, was discovered by deputies on railway tracks, just moments before he was apprehended and returned to custody.
The last sighting of Orput had him moving southwest in a black-and-white striped prison outfit, sparking an all-night manhunt by the Washoe County and Storey County sheriff’s offices.
A local business worker near Interstate 80 identified Orput and tipped off the Sparks Police Department. Utilizing drone technology, officers and deputies were guided to his whereabouts near mile marker 21.
After absconding from a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office inmate work crew, Chase Orput was successfully recaptured. (Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
Orput was evaluated by medical personnel at the scene before being transported back to the Washoe County Detention Facility, where he is expected to face additional escape charges.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said Orput was located around 1 p.m. Tuesday, roughly 24 hours after he walked away from a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office inmate work crew at about 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Authorities said the citizen’s call gave officers a crucial lead, allowing Sparks police officers and Washoe County sheriff’s deputies to quickly narrow in on Orput’s location. Sparks police also deployed a drone to provide aerial support as deputies closed in.
Video released by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office shows Chase Orput lying shirtless on railroad tracks before deputies took him into custody. (Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
“This incident demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between our region’s law enforcement agencies and the important role our community plays in public safety,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said in a statement.
“We also want to thank the citizen who recognized Mr. Orput and immediately contacted law enforcement. Their quick actions contributed directly to this successful outcome.”
A Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle. (Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
The sheriff also thanked the Sparks Police Department and Storey County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in the search.
Orput had been serving a 90-day jail sentence on misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to show or maintain proof of insurance when he walked away from the inmate work crew, authorities said.