Video: Update: Police Say Teen Escapee Still in Gordo AL Area

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GORDO, Ala. (WCBI) — A Virginia teen, armed and on the run has law enforcement in Gordo combing the woods of west Alabama. Now, they’re asking residents to be on the look out for the escapee.

“We know that the suspect is not from this area. So we feel like if he had of tried to getaway from the area, that he would’ve been spotted by a motorist or resident in our area,” says Gordo Chief of Police Todd Hall.

Sixteen-year old Rosel Guillen-Mendez made his way to Gordo on Monday after escaping from a Staunton, Virginia juvenile facility December 29th. Police believe he stole a hand gun while committing several car burglaries. Residents are shocked and say this sort of thing just doesn’t happen in Gordo.

“First of all I thought it was a big joke until they had (Highway) 82 shut down for a couple of days. I don’t know if this guy is kin to anybody from here or what but they need to do something about it I think,” says Clifton Edwards, a Gordo resident.

Mendez was in custody on charges stemming from an armed bank robbery. Chief Hall says he appreciates all the tips and support that the community has offered but advises everyone to let the police do the job.

“We do want to caution everyone. If they do see any suspicious activity to make sure that they contact the police department. We want everyone to know that we’re ready to respond in a very rapid fashion and that we’re working for them to bring this to a successful resolution,” says Hall.

Mendez is about six feet tall and weighs approximately two hundred pounds. Call Gordo Police at (205) 364-7111 or 911 if you see him.