Escaped Pennsylvania inmate suspected in killing

Pennsylvania State Police said on Friday that Robert Crissman was caught a little more than 24 hours after he walked away from the Armstrong County Jail, where he was serving time for a probation violation.

They did not immediately provide details of the 38-year-old Crissman’s capture.

Robert Crissman ran from Armstrong County Jail, near Kittanning, Pennsylvania, on Thursday morning while delivering meals to other inmates, according to officials.

Police said they believe he went to a home nearby, where a 55-year-old woman was later found dead in her bathroom. The woman recognized Crissman from news coverage of the escape and refused to let him in.

Officials say Crissman, described as a trustee at the jail, managed to escape through an open door.

Long and Slagle didn’t know Crissman was in jail, authorities said. Armstrong County Coroner Brian Myers said Long likely died between 8 and 9 a.m. Thursday. People in Pittsburgh reported seeing the vehicle Thursday night, but authorities said Crissman appeared to have remained within 10 to 12 miles of the jail.

“We don’t believe they knew he was an escapee”, Andreassi said.

Crissman was last seen driving a maroon 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Andreassi praised the woman and a 911 operator for keeping her on the phone until police arrived.

An acquaintance said in a published report that he hired Crissman off and on over the past year as a handyman performing yardwork and maintenance.

Crissman had been jailed on a non-violent drug offense, the station said.

“When they said it was a homicide it shocked me because he was a really passive guy”, said Crytzer.