STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 20A403693

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Tyler Davidson                        

STATION: St. Johnsbury Barracks                     

CONTACT#: (802)222-4680

 

DATE/TIME: July 24, 2020 at approximately 0114 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Northeast Correctional Complex, St. Johnsbury

VIOLATION: Escape

 

ACCUSED: Shannon Edwards                                                

AGE: 35

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Waterbury, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The search for escaped inmate Shannon Edwards is continuing Friday morning, July 24, 2020, at various locations throughout Vermont, including the St. Johnsbury and Middlesex-Waterbury areas.

 

Further investigation indicates that Edwards poses a potential threat to public safety. Members of the community should keep an eye out for Edwards. Anyone with a possible sighting should not approach him and instead immediately call 911 or their local police department.

 

Edwards is a white man, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was last known to be wearing a white long-sleeve T-shirt, dark gray sweatpants and white sneakers.

 

A more recent photo of Edwards is attached to this release.

 

Anyone with any information that might be relevant to locating Edwards is asked to call the Vermont State Police in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111.

 

NOTE FOR MEDIA: Lt. Hugh O’Donnell, commander of the St. Johnsbury barracks, will be available to discuss the Vermont State Police investigation at about 11:30 a.m. at the barracks, 1068 U.S. Route 5. The media availability also will be streamed live on the state police Facebook page, FB.com/VermontStatePolice. Questions regarding Edwards’ incarceration should be directed to the Vermont Department of Corrections.

 

 

***Initial news release, 4:20 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2020***

On July 24, 2020 at approximately 0114 hours, Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks responded to the Northeast Correctional Complex for a report of an escaped inmate. Troopers arrived on scene and learned that Shannon Edwards (35) escaped the facility by scaling an exterior fence.

 

Troopers checked the area, issued a be on the lookout, and a K9 was deployed to follow the scent trail. Edwards was not located, and is believed to be travelling back to Waterbury, where he is originally from.

 

Anyone with information as to Edwards' whereabouts is asked to call the Vermont State Police St. Johnsbury Barracks.