A missing Virginia high school football coach wanted on child sex abuse charges reportedly took a firearm with him when he fled his Appalachia home earlier this month.
On Friday, the law firm representing Travis Turner’s family stated he was last seen walking into a heavily wooded area in Appalachia with a gun. The attorney, Adrian Collins, said Turner left before a warrant was issued for his arrest, ABC reported.
“The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, November 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm. He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area.”
Later that evening, Turner’s wife, concerned about him not returning home, contacted law enforcement and reported her husband missing.
“She was advised that a missing-person report could not be taken until at least 24 hours had passed,” the statement from the attorney said.
“The following day, she filed a missing-person report with the Virginia State Police. The family has cooperated fully with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Virginia State Police listed Turner as missing on November 20. At that time, Turner was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a gray shirt, and glasses.
Turner was the head football coach of an undefeated team at Union High School in Big Stone Gap that was headed to the playoffs, and he is now considered a fugitive.
Turner is “wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography,” along with five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Police have been focused on the wooded area where Turner was last seen entering with K-9 units and drones.
“Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones, and K9s, to assist in the search,” the police statement said.
“VSP’s main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive.”
According to ABC, the Turner family attorney said that Turner’s family and friends are also searching.
“These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway,” the statement said. “It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.”
Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with any information about Turner or his whereabouts to contact them.
His family and friends want him home safe and to have his day in court to defend himself, WCSC reported.
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[Feature Photo: Travis Turner/Instagram]
