Local News

Three inmates escape from the Salem Industrial Home for Youth in Harrison County, and now police are combing the surrounding area in an effort to track them down.

It happened around 1:00 p.m., on Monday at their location off of Long Run Road.

State police say three male teenagers scaled a fence at the youth home, stole a black 2001 Ford Ranger pick-up truck, and hit the road, sending police on a manhunt that's spanning several counties.

The truck's WV license plate number is OEH-741.

The truck was taken from a home about a half of a mile away from the facility, out of someone's driveway. The keys were in the vehicle.

Here's who they're looking for.

    -Brandon Michael Carroll, 19, of Clarksburg. He's serving time for attempted murder, kidnapping and malicious assault. He has a scar on the top of his nose, and a scar on top of his right knee. He also has a tribal flame tattoo on his upper right shoulder, and an unfinished tribal skill on the top middle of his back, along with a 1" scar on his left hand.

    -Michael Lee Sharp, 19, of Grafton. He's serving a sentence for malicious assault. His middle left finger is amputated. He also has various scars on his center left leg, a various scars on his middle right leg. He has two holes in his lower left ear, three holes in his lower right ear, "Love" carved on his upper left arm, and a scar on his right knee.

    -David Emory Greathouse, 19, of Roane County. He was at the youth home, charged with grand larceny and receiving and transferring stolen property. He has a "DG" tattoo on his right center shoulder, "RIP Jimmy" tattooed on his right bicep, "Live Today, Die Tomorrow" on his right forearm, a cross on his right hand, spade center on his left shoulder, "MOB" on his left hand, a goblin the left side of his chest, and one hole (closed) his left lower ear.

Every police agency in Doddridge County was involved in Monday's search, along with several Harrison County agencies. The Bridgeport detachment of the state police is handling the investigation.

Right now, they aren't searching outside of the state, but they are searching the areas where the three inmates are from.

If the three aren't found within the next day, the U.S. Marshals may be called in to help with the search, according to lead investigators.

Officers from the youth home are also using K-9's to track the trio's scent, but so far, they've come up empty handed.

The youth home is considered a maximum security facility.

Visitations were suspended for the day after the escape, and the facility was put on lock down.

Superintendent Joe Merendino says as of Tuesday, they aren't on a total lock down, but some areas of the facility are.

He hopes to have visitations up and running again by the weekend.

We will continue to keep you updated on this story as more information becomes available.