HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins says a search is underway after a convicted sex offender escaped from a detainment facility in Huntington Monday afternoon.
Watkins said that James Ryan Yost, 50, escaped from custody at Riverpark Hospital at 1230 6th Avenue. He said that Yost has multiple convictions for sexual-related offenses from Morgan County. Yost is a white male, 5’9″ and 140 pounds.
He is currently wanted by the Huntington Police Department and the West Virginia State Police for felony escape from mental health facilities.
Watkins said that Yost has documented violent behavior and should be considered dangerous.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts are asked to contact HPD, WV State Police, or 911.