Wood’s whereabouts still unknown

Published 10:32 am Tuesday, December 16, 2008

WINDSOR – Holidays are times that draw people home, even criminals.

For that reason, the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens in Ahoskie and Murfreesboro to keep their eyes out for any sightings of Danyashi Wood.

“During the Christmas holidays, it is at least possible he will try to make his way home,” said Detective Sgt. Ed Pittman of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office. “If he does, we want people to be on the alert and to let us know immediately if they see him.”

Wood escaped from the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail on July 30 of this year and is being sought on state and federal warrants in connection with his flee from justice. He was in the jail awaiting transfer to the North Carolina Department of Corrections where he was slated to spend 93-121 months after being convicted of a myriad of charges on July 29. Those charges included assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a government officer, resist, obstruct and delay, being a habitual felon and driving while license revoked.

Wood allegedly used distractions cause purposely by other inmates to scale the fence and escape after which he reportedly stole a Bertie County School’s maintenance vehicle and then met co-conspirators at the Duck Thru Convenience Store at the end of County Farm Road.

Already, two individuals face charges in the incident. They are the escapee’s brother, Gary Lee Wood, 30, and his alleged girlfriend, Laketa Lavone Gordon, 21. Both are charged with felony aiding and abetting escape from confinement.

When he is eventually captured, Wood will face a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid confinement as well as local charges for escape from confinement, felony larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle.

“We are still working diligently to see this individual returned to prison,” Det. Pittman said. “We want him off the streets and back where he belongs.”

Wood is described as a black male with light to medium complexion and a pony tail. He is said to be 160 pounds and 5’-9” tall. He has black hair and brown eyes.

“We haven’t stopped looking for him and we won’t until he is caught,” said Bertie County Sheriff Greg Atkins. “Anyone who has information they haven’t previously shared or received new information should give us a call.”

Those with information about the case can call the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 794-5330.