Umatilla inmate removes ankle monitor after release to visit dying family member

WALLA WALLA, Wash.-- Police in Walla Walla are asking for help locating an escaped inmate.

Officials say Richard Anthony Smith, 22, Pendleton, was being held in the Umatilla County Jail for sex crimes, when family members requested that he be released for 24 hours to visit a dying family member.

Shortly after his release, Smith reportedly removed an ankle monitor, and is considered an escapee.

In addition to the charges in Umatilla County, Smith also faces charges in Walla Walla County for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and other stolen property.

Authorities say Smith is known to spend time in Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Weston-Athena, and Pendelton, and uses the alias Anthony Ables.

Anyone with information about Smith's whereabouts is asked to call 911.