By Roslyn Ryan, Editor
editor@powhatantoday.com

Two teens who escaped from Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center last Thursday afternoon were apprehended thanks in part to a call from a woman who spotted the two near her property shortly after they were reported missing.

“We were fortunate that we were able to find them before dark,” said Beaumont Superintendent Dr. Michael Ito Friday, confirming that the two boys, both 17, were apprehended at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, a little over two hours after first being reported missing.

Once officials realized there had been an escape, said Ito, at least 20 Beaumont employees were immediately stationed along Route 522.

In addition to the efforts of state and local police, a State Police helicopter was also used in the search.

“The young men realized that [people] were out there looking for them, and that made it harder for them to move,” said Ito.

He also confirmed that the two had been located less than a mile from the facility, and insisted that no residents of Powhatan or Goochland were in danger at any point.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that one of the young men had used a piece of clothing to cover the razor wire surrounding the facility while making the escape, and that one or both of them had been seriously hurt while trying to get over the wire.

Ito said it was the first escape from the facility in nearly a decade.

Both inmates will now face additional charges.