A Virginia high school football coach, who is facing charges related to child sexual abuse, has reportedly left his home in Appalachia with a firearm, raising concerns about his whereabouts.
According to a statement released on Friday by the law firm representing the family of Travis Turner, he was last observed entering a dense forested area in Appalachia carrying a gun. Adrian Collins, the family’s attorney, mentioned that Turner departed before an arrest warrant was issued, as reported by ABC News.
“The family last communicated with Travis around Thursday, November 20, when he left his home to walk into the woods with a firearm. It’s believed he ventured into a rugged, heavily wooded region,” the attorney noted.
Later that day, Turner’s wife, worried about his absence, contacted the authorities to report him missing.
“She was informed that a missing-person report could not be filed until a 24-hour period had elapsed,” stated the attorney’s release.
“The next day, she proceeded to file a missing-person report with the Virginia State Police. The family has been fully cooperative with law enforcement as they continue their search for Travis,” the statement added.
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.
[Feature Photo: Travis Turner/Instagram]
