Search continues for escapee after assault

The Burnett County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated battery and motor vehicle theft that occurred Saturday at the Blaine Town Garage in Blaine Township.

Deputies are seeking Caleb W. Smith, 26, an escaped inmate from the Gordon Correctional Facility as a possible suspect in this incident. Smith walked away from a work detail in Minong early Saturday.

Smith is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall and 200 pounds with a long goatee and moustache. He has ties to the Waukesha, Wis. area.

Smith fled from the Blaine Town Shop in the victim’s truck, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, Wisconsin license plate 19774.

The victim in this incident, 82-year-old William Slipher of Danbury was transported by ambulance to a Duluth hospital where his condition is improving.

Anyone having information about Smith’s whereabouts, or who may have seen this vehicle is asked to call the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office at (715) 349-2128 or 911.

Tags: news, courts, crime, family