OKANOGAN COUNTY, Wash. — An inmate at the Okanogan County Jail has been caught one week after his escape while another remains at large on Tuesday, according to Okanogan County Sheriff Tony Hawley.
Christian White, 53, and 28-year-old Kristofer Wittman escaped from the jail by accessing the ventilation ducting system, which gave them access to the roof, Hawley said. Once the inmates made it outside, they were able to get down off of the roof and were picked up and driven away.
The sheriff's office was made aware of the escape at about 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, Hawley said.
White, who is from Rock Island, and 64-year-old Teresa Lancaster of Cashmere were apprehended in Portland, Oregon, during the afternoon on Tuesday, Jan. 12, Hawley said.
White was arrested on a warrant for second-degree escape with nationwide extradition. Lancaster was arrested for second-degree rendering criminal assistance and criminal conspiracy for her alleged role in helping with the escape of White and Wittman.
U.S. Marshals working with authorities in Portland located White and Lancaster and arrested them, Hawley said. The sheriff's office will work to have them both extradited back to Okanogan County.
Wittman is still at large, Hawley said. He is described as 5'8" tall, weighing 170 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair. He was in custody for possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, attempt to elude, obstruction and malicious mischief. Authorities will seek additional charges of second-degree escape and first-degree malicious mischief.
Hawley said Wittman also had a previous charge for attempting to escape jail.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone who sees Wittman to contact law enforcement immediately. Members of the public should not apprehend him. If he is spotted in Okanogan County, the public can call Okanogan County Communications at 509-422 -7232.
