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.
