HIGHLAND COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE 9/22/22 9:50 P.M.:
A man that escaped from deputy custody in Highland County has been found, according to the Augusta County Sheriff.
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Earlier this week, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, August County Sheriff’s Office, and Bath County Sheriff’s Office were working together to search for 34-year-old Shaun Gwin who escaped from deputy custody, authorities said.
Authorities said that after appearing in court on Tuesday, Gwin was being transported to Middle River Regional Jail when he kicked out the window of the vehicle and escaped in the Shenandoah Mountain area along the eastern edge of Highland County.
We’re told Gwin overheard authorities saying he would be in jail for another five years and got scared.
On Thursday shortly before 7 p.m., someone reported that Gwin was on Cow Pasture River Road north and wanted to turn himself in.
That same night the Augusta County Sheriff, Sheriff Donald Smith, confirmed that Gwin was taken into custody.
The officer who was transporting the suspect is okay and no one else is under investigation at this time, according to officials.
The 2005 Yamaha 4x4 cameo-colored four-wheeler that Gwin was accused of taking after he escaped has also been returned to its owner, Highland County authorities said.
Gwin is scheduled to make his first court appearance at Highland County District Court on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.
At this time, Gwin is facing 23 pending charges, with an additional charge for escaping from custody. He is being held at the Middle River Regional Jail in Verona.
ORIGINAL STORY 9/20/22:
Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for a man who escaped from deputy custody in Highland County on Tuesday.
The Highland County Sheriff’s Office, August County Sheriff’s Office, and Bath County Sheriff’s Office are working together to search for Shaun Gwin, 34 years old, who escaped from deputy custody while being transported back from court, authorities said.
The Augusta County Sheriff said that Gwin was in Highland County court on Tuesday, and when he was being transported back to Middle River Regional Jail, he kicked out the window of the vehicle.
Authorities said he escaped in the Shenandoah Mountain area along the eastern edge of Highland County.
Highland County authorities described Gwin as the following:
- 34 years old,
- 6′3″, approximately 220 pounds,
- Black hair,
- A well-kept brown beard,
- Last seen wearing an orange jumpsuit with a white shirt underneath.
Gwin took a 2005 Yamaha 4x4 cameo-colored four-wheeler after he escaped, Highland County authorities said.
Authorities said that Gwin is considered to be dangerous if seen.
If you see Gwin, you’re being asked to contact the Highland County Sheriff’s Office at 540-468-2210 or the Virginia State Police at 800-542-5959.
10 News has a crew on the way to learn more and has reached out for updates on the search location.
Stick with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.