$3,500 Reward Announced for West Virginia Inmate Xander Ball

Manhunt Underway in West Virginia After 18-Year-Inmate Escapes Detention Facility

A multi-agency manhunt is actively underway across northern West Virginia following the escape of an 18-year-old inmate from a detention facility in Wheeling, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Xander Scott Finley-Ball slipped away from custody on the afternoon of October 10, prompting an urgent search that has now spanned multiple counties as law enforcement attempts to locate the fugitive.

Virginia gets the ball back down three with 14:10 left to play: pic.twitter.com/CcWH0XeucS

— https://x.com/xandertilock/status/2109104705674822067

At the time of his escape, Ball was being held on an attempted homicide charge. The serious felony stems from a shooting in Star City earlier in July that left one individual critically injured, the U.S. Marshals Service reported. Weeks after the daytime breakout, the 18-year-old remains at large, driving federal and state authorities to expand their search radius.

Search Shifts to Morgantown and Clarksburg Areas

Investigators believe that Ball may still be hiding out within the Morgantown and Clarksburg regions. To accelerate the investigation, officials have announced a $3,500 cash reward for any concrete information directly leading to his capture and arrest.

Rugby ball with the flag of west virginia on it equipment for rugby team of west virginia vector

Authorities have released a detailed physical description to help local residents identify the suspect. Ball stands 5-foot-8, weighs approximately 135 pounds, and has brown hair and gray eyes. When he broke out of the Wheeling facility on the afternoon of October 10, he was last spotted wearing a black hoodie and black pants.

The U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police are spearheading the ongoing manhunt, coordinating local sweeps and processing incoming tips from the public.

How to Report Tips to Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies emphasize that tipsters can share information anonymously if they choose. Anyone with knowledge regarding Ball’s current whereabouts or recent sightings can reach out through several official channels established by federal and local authorities:

Call the U.S. Marshals Service directly at 304-350-6700.
Send an email to [email protected].
Contact the 24-hour U.S. Marshals tip line at 1-877-926-8332 or submit details online through official portals.
Dial 911 for immediate emergencies.
Contact the Wheeling Police Department at 304-234-3664.