The brief taste of freedom for a Nevada inmate has come to an end after a multi-agency search, led by a helpful tip from a citizen, tracked him down.
Deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office found 23-year-old Chase Orput, lying shirtless on railroad tracks, in a video released by the agency.
Orput was last seen heading southwest on Monday, wearing a black-and-white striped inmate uniform, prompting an overnight search involving the Washoe County and Storey County sheriff's offices.
A citizen from a nearby business recognized Orput near Interstate 80 and alerted the Sparks Police Department, whose drone helped direct officers and deputies to his location near mile marker 21.
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 located Orput 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.
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.
A drone provided by the Sparks Police Department provided aerial support as deputies closed in, ultimately contributing to the successful outcome.
The Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude towards the citizen who recognized Orput and contacted law enforcement, crediting their quick actions for the successful outcome.
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.
The incident highlights the value of strong partnerships between regional law enforcement agencies and the important role the community plays in public safety, according to the Washoe County Sheriff.
