State corrections officials are searching for 57-year-old Tony Burley after authorities say he walked away from the Northeast Oklahoma Community Corrections Center in Vinita on Friday evening. Burley is described as about 5-foot-5 and 170 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes, and is serving a four-year sentence for driving under the influence out of Oklahoma County. Officials say the search is active and the public should not approach anyone matching his description.
Search Underway Around Vinita Facility
According to KOCO, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections confirmed Burley walked away from the Vinita community corrections center and released his physical description along with details of his sentence. Vinita police and ODOC staff are searching the facility grounds and surrounding areas while investigators work to track him down.
What A ‘Walkaway’ Really Means
Per the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, a “walkaway” occurs when an inmate unlawfully leaves a minimum-security or community corrections facility, which often does not have perimeter fencing. The agency’s Orange Alert guidance also lists facility codes and explains how residents can sign up for text or email notifications about escapes and walkaways.
Legal Context
Outside help or contraband schemes tied to offenders can trigger serious charges beyond an inmate’s original sentence. As reported by KSWO, a prior ODOC investigation led to felony counts against people accused of smuggling contraband and allegedly helping prisoners, underscoring the legal risks for anyone who aids a walkaway.
What To Do If You Spot Him
Officials say that if you see someone matching Burley’s description, do not approach. Instead, call 911 immediately. For the full published description and the department’s advisory, visit KOCO.
