SNOW HILL — Although police are still seeking the wanted Delaware man, the lockdown of schools in the Snow Hill and Pocomoke areas has been lifted, authorities confirmed this afternoon.
At 8:30 this morning, according to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations, the Snow Hill Police Department was advised on a tip that a Jessey Dean Dudley was wanted in Delaware for Escape and Burglary charges. He was spotted in the area of Pleasant Manor in Snow Hill, and the Snow Hill Police Department attempted to apprehend the suspect as he fled on foot into a wooded area. He was described as a white male, wearing a Blue hooded sweatshirt, and Blue jeans. Due to the general clothing description there were numerous false sightings.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland State Police Aviation, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, Worcester County Bureau of Investigations and the Pocomoke Police assisted with the search in an attempt to locate and apprehend the subject.
Due to the fact the Pleasant Manor Apartment complex is near Snow Hill High School, it was determined to place all of the schools in Snow Hill on “lockdown” as a precaution. Local law enforcement remained at the schools for safety. There was no risk of danger for anyone at the schools.
Law enforcement utilized several K-9 dogs to track the direction the suspect fled. The Maryland State Police had deployed a helicopter and assisted with the search. However, the suspect was not located.
It was later learned that the suspect had walked off at a “work release” minimum security facility in Delaware and had not returned. Authorities in Delaware obtained a warrant for his arrest for escape. He was serving an undisclosed amount of time for a burglary conviction.
Police have determined that the areas around the school had been thoroughly searched with negative results and it was decided to lift the “lock-down” of the schools and resume normal activity.
The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation is currently actively investigating this case. Any information related to this case may be forwarded to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigations at 410-632-1111, or to the Lower Shore Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.