Update: The teen was captured on Friday morning without incident. Authorities say they followed a lead that the teen was at a house in the Southeast section of the city. He’s been returned to the Juvenile Detention Center with additional charges.
Newport News, Va. - A 17-year-old is on the run after escaping from Newport News sheriffs after a court appearance downtown.
He got away, after a deputy didn't lock a door, allowing the teen to just walk on out.
Alex Holley let police search his backyard to see if the escapee was hiding there.
“When I pulled it open, like they already had their guns drawn and they ran into the backyard. They didn't find anything,” says Holley.
By 5:30 p.m., police had checked the neighborhood and the teen was nowhere to be found.
The 17-year-old is not considered dangerous.
Police surrounded a house on 74th Street. They had a lead the teen was there, but it turned up empty.
An elderly man was the only one inside and he had no tie to the escaped teen.
Stay with NewsChannel 3 for more updates.