Escaped inmate nabbed in manhunt
RAYBURN TWP, Armstrong County — An escaped Armstrong County Jail inmate suspected of killing a woman Thursday was arrested this morning, according to state police.
Robert Crissman, 38, was arrested by 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. Myers said an autopsy was being done this morning in Pittsburgh.
The suspected cause of Long's death has not been released, Myers said.
Officials said 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.
There were no violent crimes on his record.
State police used helicopters and K-9 units to search for Crissman, who was considered armed and dangerous. State police from Butler assisted in the search.
Steve Bicehouse, director of Butler County Emergency Services, said a be on the lookout alert was issued by law enforcement across the county, but said no Butler County emergency response agencies assisted in searches Thursday night.
Crissman has had numerous arrests in Armstrong County, but none in Butler County, according to court documents.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
