Fugitive Still On The Loose In Highland

Monterey, VA – As of 8pm December 22nd, Robert Dettran, age 20 of Dyersville, Iowa is still at large in Highland County. The Highland County Sheriff’s dept confirms that they are continuing to work with the Virginia State Police in apprehending Dettran. He is described as a 5 foot, 11 inch white male weighing 170 pounds wearing dark jeans, dark shoes and a vertical plaid shirt. He was wanted in Iowa on a parole violation and possible escape from a halfway house in Dubuque, IA. Residents are urged to lock their doors and vehicles and report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s dept immediately at 468-2210.

Dettran is allegedly involved in a crime spree that stretches back to Iowa, including a suspected gas pump drive off at the Mountain Oasis store in McDowell on the morrning of December 22nd. A subsequent chase by Highland County officers across Monterey Mountain on Rt. 250 resulted in the crash of a gold Plymouth Breeze vehicle. Two subjects fled, including a juvenile female who was caught and held on suspicion of being a runaway. As in other crimes he is accused of, Dettran has so far eluded law enforcement officers.

Thanks to the Recorder for the information in this report. Please note that neither the Highland County Sheriffs Dept nor the Virginia State Police notified Allegheny Mountain Radio about the search operations during the day.