UPDATE: Washoe County Sheriff's Office Locates Walkaway Inmate Following Coordinated Search Effort
July 28, 2026
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) has successfully located and taken 23-year-old Chase Orput back into custody following a coordinated search after he walked away from a Washoe County Sheriff's Office inmate work crew on Monday, July 27, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, July 28, at approximately 1:00 p.m., deputies located Orput near Interstate 80 and the railroad tracks in the area of mile marker 21 after a citizen from a nearby business recognized him and promptly contacted the Sparks Police Department (SPD). The information provided helped direct SPD officers and WCSO deputies to his location. The SPD further assisted by deploying a drone to provide aerial support during the search, allowing WCSO deputies and Sparks Police officers on the ground to quickly locate and safely take Orput into custody.
Orput was evaluated and provided medical care at the scene before being transported back to the Washoe County Detention Facility, where he will face additional escape charges. Orput was serving a 90-day sentence for misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to show or maintain proof of insurance.
The WCSO extends its sincere appreciation to our regional law enforcement partners for their partnership and assistance throughout the search effort. The coordinated response between agencies, combined with the vigilance of a community member who reported the sighting, was instrumental in bringing the incident to a safe and successful conclusion.
"We are grateful for the partnership and support provided by the Storey County Sheriff's Office and the Sparks Police Department throughout this search," said Sheriff Darin Balaam. "This incident demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between our region’s law enforcement agencies and the important role our community plays in public safety. We also want to thank the citizen who recognized Mr. Orput and immediately contacted law enforcement. Their quick actions contributed directly to this successful outcome."
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office appreciates the community's vigilance and cooperation throughout the search.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Searching For Inmate Who Walked Away From Work Crew
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026
LOCKWOOD, Nev. —The Washoe County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of the Storey County Sheriff's Office, is actively searching for 23-year-old Chase Orput, who walked away from a Washoe County Sheriff's Office inmate work crew while assigned to the H.O.P.E. Teams work crew on Monday afternoon.
Orput was last seen at approximately 1:30 p.m. heading southwest from East Mustang Road in the direction of Canyon Way.
Orput is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing about 185 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black-and-white striped inmate shirt and pants. If the clothing is turned inside out, it appears gray.
Orput is currently serving a sentence on misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to show or maintain proof of insurance.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is working in collaboration with the Storey County Sheriff's Office to locate Orput. Residents can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence in the Lockwood area as marked patrol units continue search efforts through the night.
"The safety of residents remains a top priority," said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. "Deputies are actively searching for this individual and are committed to resolving this incident as safely and quickly as possible. We appreciate the public's awareness and encourage anyone with information to contact us immediately."
Storey County Sheriff Mike Cullen said the agencies are working together to ensure the safety of the Lockwood community.
“Our priority is the safety of the Lockwood community. Our deputies are actively assisting Washoe County Sheriff’s Office personnel in locating this individual, and we will continue working together until this incident is resolved. We appreciate residents staying aware and reporting any information that may help bring this search to a safe conclusion.”
Anyone with information regarding Orput’s whereabouts is asked to contact Washoe County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Dispatch at (775) 785-WCSO (9276). If you observe Orput or believe there is an immediate threat to public safety, call 911 immediately.
UPDATE 8:23 PM, July 27: SHELTER-IN-PLACE NOTICE LIFTED FOR LOCKWOOD RESIDENTS
SHELTER IN PLACE - LOCKWOOD
July 27, 2026
via SCSO
The Storey County Sheriff's Office has issued a shelter-in-place order for Lockwood residents. Please remain indoors until further notice. An inmate from Washoe County Sheriff’s Office walked away from a work site. If you see any suspicious activity please call dispatch at 775-847-0950. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
****PUBLIC ADVISORY****
July 27, 2026
via Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies, with the assistance of the Storey County Sheriff’s Office, are actively searching for 23-year-old Chase Orput, who walked away from a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office inmate work crew while assigned to the Lockwood Landfill.
Orput was last seen at approximately 1:30 p.m. [July 27] heading west from the area of Saddle Court and East Mustang Road.
Orput is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black-and-white striped inmate shirt and pants.Orput is currently serving a sentence on misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to show or maintain proof of insurance.
Anyone with information regarding Orput's whereabouts is asked to contact emergency dispatch by calling 911.
