Update 8.10.18:
IRONTON, Ohio — The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department has captured Charles Wentz following a shoplifting complaint.
Deputies announced Thursday they responded to a shoplifting complaint. After patrolling the area, a police K-9 tracked and located Wentz hiding in a wooded area near Burlington. He stated his name to deputies and admitted he had escaped from Stevens Correctional Center in Welch.
“I would like to commend the work of all the officers involved in this apprehension, having our K-9 Johnny is a true asset to our department,” said Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless.
Wentz now faces charges of escape and felony conspiracy.
Original 8.6.18:
WELCH, W.Va. — The search continues after an inmate escaped from the Steven’s Correctional Center’s Welch Holding Facility.
West Virginia State Police responded Sunday to attempt to locate Charles Wentz, 39. He is described as 6’1″ and weighs about 170 pounds. Wentz has blue eyes and brown hair.
Wentz was in custody on charges of fleeing in a vehicle from an officer, felony DUI, grand larceny as well as 1st and 2nd degree robbery charges. Warrants for escape and felony conspiracy have been obtained for Wentz.
Christine Rodriguez, 37 of Fairmont, has been charged for allegedly aiding in Wentz’s escape. She was located and arrested by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Troopers believe Wentz has ties to Huntington, W.Va. and Dayton, Ohio. Anyone with information on his location should call State Police at 304-256-6700 or Crime Stoppers of West Virginia at 304-255-STOP (7867).
Wentz is considered by authorities as armed and dangerous.