York County authorities are currently on the search for an inmate, John Michael Snipes, who was accidentally released from York County Detention Center due to a paperwork mishap. As reported by WBTV, the 40-year-old was set free on Tuesday night around 10:30 p.m. following a clerical slip-up when an officer, occupied with a medical emergency in the booking area, did not print out Snipes' sentencing sheet. Additional court documents were allegedly overlooked in the chaos. Snipes, who was convicted of a second offense of possession of methamphetamine, was awaiting transport to a state facility at the time of his unforeseen release.
In an incident that Sheriff Kevin Tolson deemed "human error," a full investigation has been committed to by the York County Sheriff's Office. "We are conducting a full investigation into what transpired so we can take corrective actions to ensure this mistake is not repeated," Tolson told WCNC. As officials work to rectify the error and prevent future occurrences, Snipes remains at large.
The last sighting of Snipes was reported at around 11:15 p.m. on the night of his release. He was seen walking toward Old York Road and was reportedly last dressed in a white button-up shirt with black pants. Described as standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds, Snipes is a white male with brown eyes and short brown hair. Despite the circumstances, authorities have informed the public that Snipes is not considered to be armed or particularly dangerous.
The Sheriff's Office reassures the community that their efforts are ongoing in locating the accidentally released inmate. "We have some tremendous staff who work in an extremely tough environment in the Detention Center," Tolson stated to WCNC. Residents and anyone with information on the whereabouts of Snipes have been urged to reach out. Calls should be directed to 911 or the York County Sheriff’s Office at 803-628-3059.
