We have been notified from the Walton County Sherriff’s Department and Walton County School District that there is an escape convict in South Walton County. All schools will be open however if you choose to keep your children home it will be an excused absence. All schools will be on lockdown until we hear from the sheriff’s department. All security measures will be taken and no one other than school personnel will be permitted in the school. Additional information will be sent as soon as we have received it.
Replies
71
Beach Lover
Any news? Is Inlet Beach covered by the search or the lockdown?
CARILLON BEACH-- UPDATE 5:53 P.M.
Late Wednesday night, Christopher Stringer, along with Chase Courville, 26, Christopher Newcomb, 23, escaped from the Tensas Detention Center in Louisiana. Courville, and Newcomb are back in custody, but the search continues for Stringer.
"A deputy sheriff working an extra protection detail, looking for suspicious vehicles in reference to local burglaries, got behind a vehicle that he found out was stolen, attempted to stop the vehicle, and then there was a high speed pursuit," said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
That is when the manhunt for three escaped inmates began.
Chase Courville, Christopher Newcomb and Christopher Stringer had escaped from the Tensas Detention Center Louisiana September 9th.
After escaping from prison authorities say they stole a car in Mississippi and made their way to the Panhandle.
During the first high speed chase, Courville crashed the car in the Inlet Beach area, and Newcomb and Stringer escaped.
Moments later, they stole another car, but only made it to County Road 283 in Walton County, before they were stopped by authorities.
"We were able to find a second vehicle that the inmates escaped in and started a pursuit with them. By using spike strips they stopped that vehicle and captured a second inmate," said Sheriff Adkinson.
Then the manhunt for Stringer got under way. Investigators found out Stringer was moving east, towards Bay County.
Officials began searching the Carillon Beach area, knocking on doors, and searching from above. Christopher stringer is 21-year-old, 5'7" with blonde hair and blue eyes. He had two years left on his sentence for theft of a motor vehicle.
Sheriff Adkinson video and 2 others
Multiple Agencies Search for Escaped Inmate in Carillon Beach Area
CARILLON BEACH-- UPDATE 5:53 P.M.
Late Wednesday night, Christopher Stringer, along with Chase Courville, 26, Christopher Newcomb, 23, escaped from the Tensas Detention Center in Louisiana. Courville, and Newcomb are back in custody, but the search continues for Stringer.
"A deputy sheriff working an extra protection detail, looking for suspicious vehicles in reference to local burglaries, got behind a vehicle that he found out was stolen, attempted to stop the vehicle, and then there was a high speed pursuit," said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
That is when the manhunt for three escaped inmates began.
Chase Courville, Christopher Newcomb and Christopher Stringer had escaped from the Tensas Detention Center Louisiana September 9th.
After escaping from prison authorities say they stole a car in Mississippi and made their way to the Panhandle.
During the first high speed chase, Courville crashed the car in the Inlet Beach area, and Newcomb and Stringer escaped.
Moments later, they stole another car, but only made it to County Road 283 in Walton County, before they were stopped by authorities.
"We were able to find a second vehicle that the inmates escaped in and started a pursuit with them. By using spike strips they stopped that vehicle and captured a second inmate," said Sheriff Adkinson.
Then the manhunt for Stringer got under way. Investigators found out Stringer was moving east, towards Bay County.
Officials began searching the Carillon Beach area, knocking on doors, and searching from above. Christopher stringer is 21-year-old, 5'7" with blonde hair and blue eyes. He had two years left on his sentence for theft of a motor vehicle.
Sheriff Adkinson video and 2 others
Multiple Agencies Search for Escaped Inmate in Carillon Beach Area
Beach Fanatic
Shortly after their escape, the trio stole a car in Mississippi and headed for the panhandle. "A Walton County deputy sheriff working an extra protection detail, looking for suspicious vehicles in reference to local burglaries, started following a vehicle that he found out was stolen, attempted to stop the vehicle, and then their was a high speed pursuit," said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
During the first high speed chase, Courville crashed the car in the Inlet Beach area, and Newcomb and Stringer escaped. Courville was captured. Moments later, they stole another car, but only made it to County Road 283 in Walton County, before they were stopped by authorities.
"We were able to find a second vehicle that the inmates escaped in and started a pursuit with them. And by using spike strips and stop that vehicle and capture a second inmate," said Sheriff Adkinson. Newcomb was captured but Stringer began moving toward the east on foot.
Stringer is is described as 5’7” tall, 140 lbs, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right forearm and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt. He was last seen in the Carillon Beach area and officers have the area saturated with manpower and dogs. Several Walton County schools went on lockdown Friday morning as a precaution, and those living in the Carillon Beach area are asked to stay indoors.
Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. said the escaped Louisiana inmate is top priority for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office right now. “Every resource available is being used to ensure the public's safety. Law enforcement continues to search for him and will until his capture.”
The search is now being coordinated by the Bay County Sheriffs Office. Walton County Sheriffs Office is assisting and is providing air support with the Sheriff’s helicopter. Game Wardens, the Department of Corrections, Panama City Beach Police and the United States Marshals have been brought in to help hunt the fugitive.
Deputies say if you see Stringer, do not approach him but notify the Sheriff immediately by dialing 911.
During the first high speed chase, Courville crashed the car in the Inlet Beach area, and Newcomb and Stringer escaped. Courville was captured. Moments later, they stole another car, but only made it to County Road 283 in Walton County, before they were stopped by authorities.
"We were able to find a second vehicle that the inmates escaped in and started a pursuit with them. And by using spike strips and stop that vehicle and capture a second inmate," said Sheriff Adkinson. Newcomb was captured but Stringer began moving toward the east on foot.
Stringer is is described as 5’7” tall, 140 lbs, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right forearm and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt. He was last seen in the Carillon Beach area and officers have the area saturated with manpower and dogs. Several Walton County schools went on lockdown Friday morning as a precaution, and those living in the Carillon Beach area are asked to stay indoors.
Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. said the escaped Louisiana inmate is top priority for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office right now. “Every resource available is being used to ensure the public's safety. Law enforcement continues to search for him and will until his capture.”
The search is now being coordinated by the Bay County Sheriffs Office. Walton County Sheriffs Office is assisting and is providing air support with the Sheriff’s helicopter. Game Wardens, the Department of Corrections, Panama City Beach Police and the United States Marshals have been brought in to help hunt the fugitive.
Deputies say if you see Stringer, do not approach him but notify the Sheriff immediately by dialing 911.
Banned
Before 5 yesterday the Sheriff posted on fb that people could contact Chief Deputy AJ Smith of the Walton County Sheriffs Office for information.
P.S. Walton county police dept said they are continuing to search in the Carillon Beach area.
P.S. Walton county police dept said they are continuing to search in the Carillon Beach area.
Edited
Banned
Frank McKeithen - Bay County Sheriff
Fugitive Christopher Dale Stinger believed in the area of Carillon Beach. The BCSO is assisting the Walton County Sheriff's Office in the search. If you have any information on the location of this fugitive please contact local law enforcement. (BCSO 747-4700)
Fugitive Christopher Dale Stinger believed in the area of Carillon Beach. The BCSO is assisting the Walton County Sheriff's Office in the search. If you have any information on the location of this fugitive please contact local law enforcement. (BCSO 747-4700)
Banned
SoWal Guide
Can't find any official updates for today. I suppose the situation remains the same.
Banned
Can't find any official updates for today. I suppose the situation remains the same.According to the DFS Herald the update from the Bay County Sheriff's Dept, is from today.
Banned
Just now!
Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
7 mins ·
Update on manhunt for Christopher Stringer. Law enforcement continues to believe Stringer is contained in the Carillon Beach area to the Inlet Beach area. The marsh and wooded area is very thick and is extremely difficult to search.
Stringer is from the back country of Louisiana and is accustomed to living in the lowlands. He has no family or friends in the area. Also he has no shoes, shirt, food or water and is not familiar with the area.
In excess of 50 law enforcement officers are currently searching door to door and will be searching the low swamp and wooded areas again. Law enforcement has been in the area all night and will continue to have a strong presence until Stringer is captured. If anyone observes any suspicious activity please call 911.
Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
7 mins ·
Update on manhunt for Christopher Stringer. Law enforcement continues to believe Stringer is contained in the Carillon Beach area to the Inlet Beach area. The marsh and wooded area is very thick and is extremely difficult to search.
Stringer is from the back country of Louisiana and is accustomed to living in the lowlands. He has no family or friends in the area. Also he has no shoes, shirt, food or water and is not familiar with the area.
In excess of 50 law enforcement officers are currently searching door to door and will be searching the low swamp and wooded areas again. Law enforcement has been in the area all night and will continue to have a strong presence until Stringer is captured. If anyone observes any suspicious activity please call 911.
Banned
The Sheriff's Ofc. also clarified some statements/questions on their fb page saying: Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.There were two car crashes. First at Inlet Beach and a few minutes later on 283. After the first crash one of the escapees immediately stole another vehicle. There were 3 escapees. We captured one escapee at each crash. And the 3rd, Stringer fled on foot at Inlet Beach.
SoWal Guide
Just now!Thanks for posting. It's the first report I've seen relevant to today's events that I've seen.
Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
7 mins ·
Update on manhunt for Christopher Stringer. Law enforcement continues to believe Stringer is contained in the Carillon Beach area to the Inlet Beach area. The marsh and wooded area is very thick and is extremely difficult to search.
Stringer is from the back country of Louisiana and is accustomed to living in the lowlands. He has no family or friends in the area. Also he has no shoes, shirt, food or water and is not familiar with the area.
In excess of 50 law enforcement officers are currently searching door to door and will be searching the low swamp and wooded areas again. Law enforcement has been in the area all night and will continue to have a strong presence until Stringer is captured. If anyone observes any suspicious activity please call 911.
I feel for the people in carillon area. Nerve wracking whether he's armed or dangerous or not. He's at least desperate.
Banned
Thanks for posting. It's the first report I've seen relevant to today's events that I've seen.Armed and dangerous...not so much, desperate yes and desperate people make desperate mistakes. He has had no shoes, no shirt, no food or water for the last several + hours and that coupled with the elements will eventually take a toll on his physical acuity. If he hasn't already, he will soon make a huge mistake and end up right back where he started from. Only this time I highly doubt it will be in a minimum security facility.
I feel for the people in carillon area. Nerve wracking whether he's armed or dangerous or not. He's at least desperate.
SWGB
Should get cold enough to root him out tonight.
Banned
People who are reporting on the Sheriff's site say no one is at Carillon now...but have seen police activity on Lake Powell and searching bridge area west of Camp Helen. Helicopters on site as well.
Banned
Heavy WCSO presence in Inlet Beach according to residents.
Banned
Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. added 2 new photos.
30 mins ·
Update on Stringer search. Deputies from Bay, Walton County Sheriffs Offices and other law enforcement agencies continue to search for Louisiana escapee Christopher Stringer.
Law enforcement officials have worked around the clock to capture Stringer. Deputies are working tirelessly in difficult conditions. We are still concentrating in the Carillon Beach to Inlet Beach areas.
Heavy vegetation and lowlands make searching difficult. Pictured is some of the areas law enforcement have been searching. This thick vegetation makes it easy for Stringer to conceal himself.
Deputies will be on foot tonight continuing the search. Please know we are doing everything to apprehend Stringer.
30 mins ·
Update on Stringer search. Deputies from Bay, Walton County Sheriffs Offices and other law enforcement agencies continue to search for Louisiana escapee Christopher Stringer.
Law enforcement officials have worked around the clock to capture Stringer. Deputies are working tirelessly in difficult conditions. We are still concentrating in the Carillon Beach to Inlet Beach areas.
Heavy vegetation and lowlands make searching difficult. Pictured is some of the areas law enforcement have been searching. This thick vegetation makes it easy for Stringer to conceal himself.
Deputies will be on foot tonight continuing the search. Please know we are doing everything to apprehend Stringer.
Banned
Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
11 mins ·
Louisiana Escapee Christopher Stringer has been CAPTURED by Bay County Deputies in the Carillon Beach area. Stringer was attempting to move under the cover of darkness and was seen by deputies and quickly taken into custody.
This was a great team effort by many local and state aw enforcement agencies. We are thankful no one was injured during this operation.
11 mins ·
Louisiana Escapee Christopher Stringer has been CAPTURED by Bay County Deputies in the Carillon Beach area. Stringer was attempting to move under the cover of darkness and was seen by deputies and quickly taken into custody.
This was a great team effort by many local and state aw enforcement agencies. We are thankful no one was injured during this operation.
SoWal Insider
Just saw on FB, they got him!
Banned
Just saw on FB, they got him!Yep, that post hit just as I copy pasted this one.
Good job all LEO's!
Beach Fanatic
From Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson:
Louisiana Escapee Christopher Stringer has been CAPTURED by Bay County Deputies in the Carillon Beach area. Stringer was attempting to move under the cover of darkness and was seen by deputies and quickly taken into custody.
This was a great team effort by many local and state aw enforcement agencies. We are thankful no one was injured during this operation.
Louisiana Escapee Christopher Stringer has been CAPTURED by Bay County Deputies in the Carillon Beach area. Stringer was attempting to move under the cover of darkness and was seen by deputies and quickly taken into custody.
This was a great team effort by many local and state aw enforcement agencies. We are thankful no one was injured during this operation.
Banned
Frank McKeithen - Bay County Sheriff
8:20 pm, Bay County Sheriff's Deputies observed Stringer walking through the dune area just east of Carillon Beach near the Bay and Walton County line. At the time of his arrest, Stringer was armed with a knife, but was arrested without incident. Additional charges of burglary are possible. This operation was a great team effort between the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Bay County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida Department of Corrections and Panama City Beach Police Department. Stringer will be booked into the Bay County Jail.
8:20 pm, Bay County Sheriff's Deputies observed Stringer walking through the dune area just east of Carillon Beach near the Bay and Walton County line. At the time of his arrest, Stringer was armed with a knife, but was arrested without incident. Additional charges of burglary are possible. This operation was a great team effort between the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Bay County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida Department of Corrections and Panama City Beach Police Department. Stringer will be booked into the Bay County Jail.
Beach Fanatic
Great job by Bay and Walton and all other agencies.
From the news photos of the suspect, he appears to have acquired clothes (and a knife), most likely from an unsecured vacation rental that he burglarized... (Lock your doors people).
His hair looks just like the original mug shot, not longer. A report had him with longer hair.
Seems as if there was significant confusion and miscommunication throughout the process.
Many parents were concerned and upset that schools were not prepared with better info. Some kids told me the guy had escaped from "work release" and the fact it was an "unexcused" absence for kids not staying is odd.
I also wonder how WCSO staffing was during the time of the two car chases? (12:30am to 5:30am). I know by 9:00am, there where several dozens of officer in SoWal. In the past, SoWal area has been very lightly staffed overnight. If there were not enough officers out working, that could have been a problem.
Glad its all over and that no one got hurt.
From the news photos of the suspect, he appears to have acquired clothes (and a knife), most likely from an unsecured vacation rental that he burglarized... (Lock your doors people).
His hair looks just like the original mug shot, not longer. A report had him with longer hair.
Seems as if there was significant confusion and miscommunication throughout the process.
Many parents were concerned and upset that schools were not prepared with better info. Some kids told me the guy had escaped from "work release" and the fact it was an "unexcused" absence for kids not staying is odd.
I also wonder how WCSO staffing was during the time of the two car chases? (12:30am to 5:30am). I know by 9:00am, there where several dozens of officer in SoWal. In the past, SoWal area has been very lightly staffed overnight. If there were not enough officers out working, that could have been a problem.
Glad its all over and that no one got hurt.
SoWal Insider
All's well that ends well, but, can the TDC please stop advertising to inmate populations. 
Banned
John, the guy was a convicted car thief, not an AX murderer. They escaped from a MINIMUM security facility. None of them were believed to be armed. The schools were notified and locked down. I'm not second guessing the LEO's but I think it's safe to to assume that if this had been a larger threat (armed and dangerous murderer, child molester, serial rapist....whatever) things would have been handled differently.
I'll admit I'm not a fan of how the Sheriff spends our tax dollars but I am of fan of what he does to keep our community safe and given the circumstances of the surroundings they were working in, I think ALL LEO's involved did a great job! Stringer was contained to a 2 mile area for over 2 days, he was cornered like a rat in a trap and no one got hurt. Speaks volumes!
I'll admit I'm not a fan of how the Sheriff spends our tax dollars but I am of fan of what he does to keep our community safe and given the circumstances of the surroundings they were working in, I think ALL LEO's involved did a great job! Stringer was contained to a 2 mile area for over 2 days, he was cornered like a rat in a trap and no one got hurt. Speaks volumes!
Banned
Thanks for merging the 2 threads. It wasn't my intent to create another thread but in my haste to post the info of his capture I clicked on the SoWal forum and "create new thread" icon. My apologies.
SoWal Insider
Great job by Bay and Walton and all other agencies.
From the news photos of the suspect, he appears to have acquired clothes (and a knife), most likely from an unsecured vacation rental that he burglarized... (Lock your doors people).
His hair looks just like the original mug shot, not longer. A report had him with longer hair.
Seems as if there was significant confusion and miscommunication throughout the process.
Many parents were concerned and upset that schools were not prepared with better info. Some kids told me the guy had escaped from "work release" and the fact it was an "unexcused" absence for kids not staying is odd.
I also wonder how WCSO staffing was during the time of the two car chases? (12:30am to 5:30am). I know by 9:00am, there where several dozens of officer in SoWal. In the past, SoWal area has been very lightly staffed overnight. If there were not enough officers out working, that could have been a problem.
Glad its all over and that no one got hurt.
Children that did not attend school were 'excused'. That was a misprint by the Sun.
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