According to Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe, an inmate was brought to the magistrate’s office in downtown Butler to appear in court. He somehow eluded police and was apprehended a few blocks away.
This happened around lunchtime on Monday.
“It’s kind of scary knowing there’s a criminal out there,” said Donna Lamison.
The magistrate’s office said Damean Felmlee escaped from state police custody around 12:45 p.m., just before his preliminary hearing, which was scheduled for 1 p.m.
“It’s surprising. Butler is a good neighborhood and I want people to know that and it’s scary to hear that this happened,” Lazaroff said.
The sheriff said the inmate was captured a few blocks away. People who work in downtown Butler said they were glad officers caught him before he escaped.
In May, state police arrested and charged Felmlee and Herbert Zellefrow with robbing a woman’s home at gunpoint in Brady Township. Police said they stole guns and thousands of dollars and threatened the woman. Police said Felmlee was part of a similar armed robbery in Rimersburg, Clarion County. In that case, state police also charged Tyler Wyant. Police said Wyant admitted to being an accomplice by staking out the victim’s home, tying up and injuring the victim and stealing money.
While Felmlee was in jail, he was charged with intimidating a witness. Channel 11 reached out to state police for more information on Felmlee’s escape attempt, but is still waiting for a response.
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