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Search continues for 2 escapees from WCSO work crew

FERNDALE, Wash. — Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) released a statement this afternoon regarding the increased law enforcement presence, including a US Customs and Border Protection helicopter, in the area of W Axton Road and Northwest Road early this afternoon.

According to the statement, about noon today, October 19th, WCSO deputies were alerted that 2 minimum-security inmates assigned to a WCSO in-custody work crew had fled the work crew transport vehicle while it was parked near the intersection of Northwest Drive and W Smith Road. Both were reported to have ignored orders to stop.

US Customs and Border Protection helicopter (October 19, 2020). Photo courtesy of Lisa Abbott
US Customs and Border Protection helicopter (October 19, 2020). Photo courtesy of Lisa Abbott

WCSO and other agencies responded to the report of the escape and performed a K9 search with the assistance of the helicopter.

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As of 4:30pm, both escapees were still being sought and deputies were following up on tips regarding the subjects’ whereabouts.

The 2 escapees, as identified by WCSO, are

  • 25-year-old Jonathan E. Pickett of Ferndale
    White male, 5’10”, 180-lbs with brown shoulder-length hair
    Last seen wearing a Kennedy Space Center jacket and blue jeans
    In custody for violation of a no contact order
  • 24-year-old Christopher J McCracken of Blaine
    White male, 5’8″, 140-lbs with short brown hair
    Last seen wearing a dark hoodie and blue jeans
    In custody for burglary and possession of a controlled substance
McCracken, Christopher J. (left) and Jonathan E Pickett (right). Photos provided by Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
McCracken, Christopher J. (left) and Jonathan E Pickett (right). Photos provided by Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

Anyone with information about the location of either suspect are asked to call 911.

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