Deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office have been working throughout the day attempting to locate the escaped inmate from yesterday evening. John Wesley Saatio escaped from a private inmate transportation vehicle during a restroom break at mile marker 29 (Eastbound I-10) rest area.
At approximately 6:52 PM, a citizen called the SR Dispatch center advising of a suspicious person walking in a wooded area. Based on the description provided, it was believed to be John Saatio. Deputies arrived at the location a short time later and deployed a K-9 unit. A track began on the southeast side of Antietam Rd in Milton. The track led Deputies through a large field and through several small creeks. Additional resources were called in from Santa Rosa Correctional Institute (CI) K-9, Okaloosa CI K-9, Century CI k-9 and FWC. K-9 units continued to track Saatio south for approximately 2 miles where he was quickly approaching Yellow River. When the units caught up to Saaito approximately 4 hours later, he was apprehended without incident. Saatio was searched and 2 makeshift handcuff keys were located in his socks.
Saaito was transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail where he remains under close watch. Charges will include escape and possession of a handcuff key. Additional charges are pending at this time.
