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Two teens escape Hernando County juvenile justice facility, have yet to be found

 
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Published June 26, 2019

BROOKSVILLE — Two teens escaped Tuesday from a Department of Juvenile Justice facility near Brooksville, deputies said Wednesday, and have yet to be found.

Peyton Anderson, 16, and Jarahmeel King, 15, fled the Center for Success and Independence-Brooksville Academy while a staff member was walking them from the cafeteria to their dormatory about 8:30 p.m., according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. A staff member told deputies the teens ran south from the non-secure residential treatment facility, into the woods near the Pasco County line.

Teenage boys involved in crimes such as auto theft and burglary live at the facility for six to nine months on court order. Located near Culbreath Road, it was operated by Eckerd Connects until last year, when the residential treatment corporation Youth Opportunity Investments took over.

Both boys had been detained for violating probation, deputies said. Anderson, of Avon Park, faced theft and burglary charges. King, of Fort Pierce, faced robbery, theft, weapons and assault charges.

Deputies have asked for the public's help in finding the teens. Anderson, who is black, is 5'7" and 148 pounds and was last seen wearing a purple T-shirt, long blue pants and black slide sandals. King, who is black, is 5'6" and 120 pounds and was last seen wearing a green T-shirt, long blue pants and black tennis shoes.

Contact Jack Evans at jevans@tampabay.com. Follow @JackHEvans.