Escapee In Newark Police Custody

***UPDATE*** Chris Swonger was arrested by Newark Detectives and heath officers this morning after a brief foot chase.  He is in the Licking County Justice Center charged with a Parole Violation and Aggravated Burglary. ***UPDATE***

The Newark Police Department is asking for help in a search for an escapee.  Chief Steven Sarver says his detectives are looking for Chris Swonger. He is a white male, 5’10”, 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.  Sarver says on September 6th  the residents at 121 Boner Street reported to police that Swonger had arrived at the location, kicked in the door and fought with residents there.  During the fight one of the residents was cut with a knife.  Chief Sarver says Swonger is a reported escapee from the Southeast Ohio Probation Alternative Center in Athens and traveled to Newark in a stolen vehicle.  He is originally from Newark and was on probation for aggravated possession of drugs. If you have any information on his whereabouts you are asked to call the Newark Police Department at 740 670-7200.