A La Plata County Jail inmate assigned to outside work at the Durango/La Plata County Senior Center escaped Tuesday.
Marty Kelly Yazzie, 30, walked out of the senior center between noon and 12:15 p.m., according to a news release from La Plata County government. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark blue jeans, a blue baseball hat and white Nike athletic shoes with maroon lettering.
Yazzie remained missing as of 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, said Ray Shupe, spokesman with the Durango Police Department. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Yazzie, possibly from Arizona, has brown hair and brown eyes. He is about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. Yazzie was serving a 777-day sentence for violation of a restraining order. He had been in custody at La Plata County Jail since June 23.
The Durango Police Department investigated Yazzie’s escape and will issue an arrest warrant for escape from custody. He is not believed to be dangerous.
Chris Burke, spokesman with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, said Yazzie worked as a dishwasher at the senior center. An employee at the center would pick him up in the morning and drop him off at night, Burke said.
“They try to screen them as best they can to prevent this kind of thing, but it does happen,” Burke said.
Anyone with information on Yazzie’s whereabouts is asked to call dispatch at 385-2900. Residents can also Crimestoppers at 247-1112 to remain anonymous.
shane@durangoherald.com
