At about 5:00 Monday evening the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a citizen of a likely sighting of escaped prisoner Eric Williamson who fled from a prison transport near the Bogard rest stop area on Sunday.
According to the Sheriff’s Department the citizen was traveling on Forest Service road 10 near the Bogard Rest Area at about 1:00p.m. when he encountered a subject on foot walking on the 10 road south of the rest stop.
The citizen gave the subject a ride back to the Bogard Rest Area. The subject reported his vehicle broke down while fishing at Silver Lake; that was the reason he needed a ride. Once the citizen returned to Susanville, he became aware of the news report detailing Williamson’s escape from a transport last night.
After seeing the news story and photograph of Williamson, the citizen is confident the person he encountered was escapee Williamson.
Williamson was being extradited to the State of Arkansas for charges of theft, possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and fleeing. The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office thanks local media outlets and all the citizens that called to report potential sightings today. This investigation is ongoing. If anyone sees Williamson, please call 9-1-1.
Based on the citizen’s description of Williamson; it appears Williamson has successfully discarded the waist chains and hand cuffs he was wearing last night. The citizen also reports that Williamson speaks with a southern accent and walks with a limp. Williamson was wearing a dark sleeveless shirt.
The Sheriff’s Office urges citizens and other travelers to exercise extreme caution with any person seen on foot or hitchhiking in the area. If anyone sees Williamson, please call 9-1-1.
