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Jail escapee caught this morning in Armstrong County

Crissman

RAYBURN TWP, Armstrong County — An escaped Armstrong County Jail inmate suspected of killing a woman Thursday was arrested this morning, according to state police.

The 38-year-old Robert Crissman was arrested at 8:40 a.m., according to state police. He was caught off Route 66 in Boggs Township following a short chase.

He had minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital, according to Armstrong County 911 dispatchers.

His arrest ends an extensive search after he ran from the county's jail about 6:30 a.m. Thursday while delivering meals to other inmates as part of a work-release program.

Armstrong County Sheriff William Rupert said Crissman walked outside of the jail to get the meals from a truck and took off.

Crissman is believed to be connected to the death of 55-year-old Tammy Long, whose body was later discovered at a nearby home on Rayburn Road off Route 85 east of Kittanning. Authorities believe Crissman stole Long's 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck as he fled.

Armstrong County Coroner Brian Myers said Long likely died between 8 and 9 a.m. Thursday. Her body was discovered by her boyfriend in the bathroom of her home about 2:25 p.m.

The suspected cause of Long's death has not been released, Myers said.

Officials say Crissman, who was in jail for violating probation on a drug charge, was trusted by staff.

Crissman's criminal history includes multiple counts of theft, trespassing, drug possession and driving under the influence of alcohol.

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