50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

Pendleton manhunt ends, suspect taken into custody

Posted at
and last updated

THURSDAY AM UPDATE: Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour says Christoper Wright was taken into custody without incident.

Sheriff Voutour says after a 'lucky' call to a family member of Wright, around 10:30 a.m., it was revealed Wright had returned home after fleeing into the woods. Deputies were able to speak to Wright on the phone and arrested him at his home on Oakwood Drive.

Wright spent the night in the wooded area behind his home, in a playhouse in a yard and under the cover of brush. He was wanted for sexually abusing a child. He's facing three different charges, two for sexual abuse and one for endangering the welfare of a child. A Pendleton judge set his bail at $100,000 cash or $200,000 property. 

The child and Wright are said to know each other. 

Voutour says Wright's arrest saved the department thousands of dollars. He planned to direct multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshal service, with off-road vehicles, helicopters and K-9s to comb through a two-square mile radius around Wright's home. 

WEDNESDAY PM UDPATE: The search for a man involved in a standoff with police continues in Pendleton.  

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office was called to a home there around 11:43 a.m. Wednesday for a welfare check, after a report of a male threatening to harm himself.

Police later identified the man as 44-year-old Christopher Wright.  Police say he is the subject of an unspecified criminal investigation. If anyone sees anything, they're asked to call 911.

A lock-out was put into place at Starpoint Central Schools.  It was later lifted and students returned home. Starpoint Central Schools say they plan on having normal operations Thursday, but are still monitoring the situation.

ORIGINAL STORY: Starpoint Central School District has entered into a lock-out Wednesday afternoon.

The district says no individuals will be permitted to enter the buildings at this time. 

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office says it is checking on the welfare of a person about 5 miles from Starpoint. Deputies say there is no threat to the school at this time.

Normal activities will continue within all buildings.