Abingdon Police Department- Attempted Capital Murder on 3-26-19

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, Abingdon Police Officer Y. Wilmoth responded to the Washington County, VA Courthouse to transport Amanda H. Repass, 26, of 18134 Cleveland Road, Abingdon, to jail.  Repass was remanded to jail by the court for a prior drug charge.   Upon taking custody of Repass, she attempted to escape by slipping her hand out of the handcuffs. As the officer prepared to re-apply the handcuff, Repass fled running west on Plumb Alley.  After a brief foot pursuit, the officer attempted to regain control of Repass who responded by punching the officer in the head, scratching her neck and arms, and biting her forearm, breaking the skin.  Officer Wilmoth responded with appropriate force techniques in an attempt to gain compliance; however, these had little impact on Repass who was intent on her escape. 

Repass attempted to gain control of the officer’s firearm, by grabbing the holstered weapon with both hands and attempting to pull it from its security holster.  Officer Wilmoth was able to successfully deliver appropriate counter measures, break close contact, and create enough space to deploy her Taser.  Upon firing the Taser, Officer Wilmoth was able to gain compliance of Repass and thwart her escape attempt. At this time, Sgt. J. Burton of the Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office was leaving a local business and observed the officer in need of assistance.  He radioed for additional officers, and assisted in handcuffing Repass.

Repass was checked by the Washington County, VA Life Saving Crew, and was cleared for transport.  She was transferred to Officer M. Farris, who transported her to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. 

Officer Wilmoth was treated for her injuries at Johnston Memorial Hospital and released. 

On Friday, March 29, 2019, Investigator C. Jennings of the Abingdon Police Department obtained the following charges on Repass in relation to this incident:

·       § 18.2-478. Escape from jail or custody by force or violence; Class 6 Felony

·       § 18.2-26/§ 18.2-31(6.). Attempted Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer; Class 2 Felony

·       § 18.2-26/§ 18.2-57.02. Attempts to Disarm an Officer; Class 6 Felony

·       § 18.2-51.1. Malicious wounding of a law-enforcement officers; Unclassed Felony

·       § 18.2-57 (C). Assault and battery a law enforcement officer; Class 6 Felony

Repass is currently being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail.

We wish to acknowledge Sgt. J. Burton and the Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County, VA Life Saving Crew, and Mr. Josh Cumbow and the staff of the Washington County, VA Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for all of their assistance in this case.