DANVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — James Pugh II, the 38-year-old man who escaped from the Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute is back in custody after being arrested without incident in Pelham, North Carolina.

Pugh escaped from the facility on June 24 by jumping a fence and fleeing into the woods, leading to a multi-agency search.

Danville Police confirmed his capture around 12:15 a.m. on June 25 and thanked the public for their assistance, along with support from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Caswell County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ORIGINAL STORY — June 24

DANVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — Danville Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man who escaped from the Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute on June 24.

According to police, 38-year-old James Pugh II fled the facility around 5 p.m. by jumping a fence and running into nearby woods.

Officers responded to the scene at around 5:30 p.m. and have since recovered items of clothing believed to belong to Pugh.

He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and gray sweatpants.

A K-9 unit from Pittsylvania County has been brought in to assist with tracking efforts.

Anyone who sees Pugh or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Danville Police Department by calling 9-1-1 or Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.