Imagine a quiet Sunday morning in Carver County, Minnesota, suddenly interrupted by the sound of sirens, barking K9 dogs, and drones buzzing overhead. That’s exactly what happened on January 26, 2025, when a 17 year old teen escaped from custody near the Carver County Government Center in Chaska. This wasn’t just a small incident it turned into a full-blown search with police, helicopters, and even the Minnesota State Patrol jumping in to help. If you’re curious about what went down, why it matters, and what’s happened since, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
The Day It All Started: A Teen on the Run
It was just before 8:30 a.m. on that chilly January morning when the unexpected happened. A Blue Earth County deputy was walking a 17 year old boy from a squad car to the Carver County Juvenile Detention Center. The teen, originally from Mankato, wasn’t wearing any restraints meaning no handcuffs or anything to keep him in place. In a split-second decision, he bolted. Picture this: one moment he’s walking with the deputy, and the next, he’s sprinting away, disappearing into the streets of Chaska.
The teen didn’t exactly blend in. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue pajama pants, and get this no shoes. It was winter in Minnesota, so running barefoot in the cold must’ve been tough. He’s described as a Black male, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing around 140 pounds. Authorities quickly realized they had a situation on their hands a juvenile escapee loose in Carver County.
The Big Search Begins: Law Enforcement Steps Up
When someone escapes custody, law enforcement doesn’t mess around, especially when it’s a teen. Within minutes, the Chaska Police Department sprang into action. They weren’t alone multiple agencies joined the effort to track down this teen on the run. K9 units (those are police dogs trained to sniff out people) hit the ground, a Minnesota State Patrol plane circled above, and drones buzzed through the sky. It was like something out of a movie.
The search focused around the Carver County Government Center, right in the heart of Chaska. Police spread out into nearby areas, including downtown Chaska and the city of Carver. They even sent out a public safety alert to people in eastern Carver County, asking folks to check their garages, sheds, or anywhere a teen might hide. “If you see someone matching his description, call 911,” they said. The message was clear: they wanted this kid found, fast.
For hours, the search went on. Residents peeked out their windows, watching the police presence grow. By 11:55 a.m., authorities were still at it, combing through every corner they could. But by 1:40 p.m., the Chaska Police Department shared an update: the teen was still missing, and they were calling off the active search for the day. They assured everyone there was “no imminent threat to the public,” meaning they didn’t think he was dangerous. Still, the question lingered where did he go?
Who Is This Escaped Teen?
Here’s where things get a bit more personal. On January 27, the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office revealed the teen’s name: Damario Dayshawn Latravis Williams, a 17-year-old from Mankato. Why was he in custody in the first place? They didn’t say. That’s pretty common when it’s a juvenile, police keep details like charges under wraps to protect their privacy. What we do know is that he was detained by the Mankato Department of Public Safety before being transported to Carver County.
Damario’s escape wasn’t just a random act of rebellion. Think about it: he was barefoot, in pajamas, and it was freezing outside. That takes guts or desperation. Maybe he saw a chance and took it. Maybe he had a plan. Whatever the reason, he slipped away, leaving deputies stunned and sparking a manhunt that gripped the Twin Cities area.
Why Carver County? A Quick Look at the Place
If you’re not from Minnesota, you might be wondering what’s Carver County like? It’s a peaceful spot southwest of Minneapolis, full of small towns, rolling hills, and friendly communities. Chaska, where this all went down, is the county seat a place known for its historic charm and quiet streets. The Carver County Juvenile Detention Center, where Damario was headed, is a secure facility that holds teens from nearby counties, including Blue Earth County, when they need a place to stay while in custody.
It’s not the kind of place you’d expect a dramatic escape. But that Sunday, Carver County turned into ground zero for a real-life chase. The mix of rural areas and suburban neighborhoods gave Damario plenty of places to hide think wooded spots, backyards, or even empty buildings. No wonder the search was so tough.
The Search Ends But the Story Doesn’t
After hours of looking, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office called off the active search around 2:20 p.m. that Sunday. They didn’t find Damario, and his whereabouts stayed a mystery. The sheriff’s office asked anyone with info to call them at (507) 304-4863 or submit an anonymous tip online. They even said he might still be out there, somewhere in Minnesota, blending into the crowd.
For the next few weeks, people in Carver County and beyond kept their eyes peeled. Was he still in Chaska? Did he make it back to Mankato? The not-knowing kept the story alive. Then, on February 17, 2025 over three weeks later there was a breakthrough. An anonymous tip led police to a house in Mankato. Sure enough, Damario was there. Officers swooped in, arrested him without a fight, and took him back into custody. He’s now in a secure facility, waiting for a court date.
How Did He Stay Hidden for So Long?
Three weeks is a long time to be on the run, especially for a 17-year-old with no shoes or proper clothes. How did Damario pull it off? We can only guess, since the sheriff’s office hasn’t spilled the details. Maybe he had help friends or family who gave him a place to crash. Maybe he’s just really good at staying out of sight. Mankato’s about 80 miles from Chaska, so he either hitched a ride, walked a crazy distance, or found some other way to get back home.
One thing’s for sure: being a teen on the run isn’t easy. No money, no phone (probably), and every cop in the area looking for you? That’s a tough spot. Yet Damario managed to dodge the law enforcement efforts for over 20 days. It’s the kind of story that makes you wonder what was going through his head the whole time.
What Happens When a Juvenile Escapes?
You might be thinking okay, he’s caught now, so what’s next? When a teen escapes custody, it’s a big deal, but the system handles it differently than if an adult did it. Juveniles like Damario usually face the courts in a way that’s more about rehabilitation than punishment. That means instead of just throwing him in jail, they might look at why he ran and what he needs to get back on track think counseling, school programs, or community service.
That said, escaping custody is serious. It could mean extra charges or a longer stay in a detention center. Since Damario’s a minor, we won’t hear all the juicy details court records for teens are usually sealed. But whatever he was in for originally, this little adventure probably didn’t help his case.
Why This Story Matters to You
Maybe you’re reading this from Carver County, Mankato, or somewhere totally different. Either way, this story’s got layers that hit home for a lot of people. For one, it’s a reminder that teens like anyone can make snap decisions that change everything. It also shows how hard law enforcement works when someone goes missing, even if it’s someone who broke the rules.
Plus, it’s a peek into how communities react. People in Chaska were on edge that Sunday, locking doors and checking sheds. In Mankato, someone cared enough to tip off the cops. It’s a mix of worry, teamwork, and curiosity that ties us all together when something wild happens nearby.
Could This Happen Again?
Damario’s escape wasn’t a one of a kind thing. Teens (and adults) have slipped away from custody before, and they’ll probably do it again. So why did it happen here? The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office admitted Damario wasn’t in restraints during the transport. That’s a choice deputies make based on the situation sometimes they think a kid won’t run, especially if they’ve been calm so far. This time, they guessed wrong.
It’s got people asking: should there be stricter rules for moving teens in custody? More handcuffs, better training, tighter security? On the flip side, some say treating every kid like a flight risk could make things worse more stress, less trust. There’s no easy answer, but Damario’s breakout might spark some changes in how deputies handle these trips.
Lessons From the Carver County Chase
Looking back, this whole saga teaches us a few things. For teens, it’s a heads up that running might feel like freedom, but it comes with a cost. For parents, it’s a nudge to talk to kids about choices and consequences. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to see how our towns big or small handle a curveball like an escaped teen.
The search for Damario wasn’t just about catching one kid. It was about safety, teamwork, and figuring out what went wrong. From the K9s sniffing the streets to the drones scanning from above, it took a village (and then some) to bring this story to a close.
Where Are We Now?
As of April 5, 2025 (today’s date), Damario’s back in custody, and the Carver County search is just a memory. Things have quieted down in Chaska no more helicopters or emergency alerts. But the buzz from that January day lingers. People still talk about the teen who made a daring escape and kept everyone guessing for weeks.
If you’re ever in Carver County, you might drive past the Government Center and picture it: a barefoot kid in pajamas, dashing off into the unknown. It’s a wild tale one that’s uniquely Minnesota, uniquely human, and uniquely unforgettable.
Final Thoughts: What Would You Do?
Put yourself in Damario’s shoes (or lack thereof) for a sec. Would you run? Could you hide for three weeks? Or flip it imagine you’re the deputy, the neighbor, or the person who called in that tip. This story’s got so many angles, and that’s what makes it stick with you.
Next time you hear sirens or see a news alert about a teen on the run, you’ll know there’s more to it than just a chase. It’s about people, places, and the unexpected twists that keep life interesting even in a quiet corner like Carver County.
