GOSHEN — A family member identified the body of James Valles, which was found by a fisherman near Twin Bridges on Wednesday, according to the Washington County sheriff’s office.
Valles’ body was transported to the state Crime Laboratory after being identified, sheriff’s spokesman Kelly Cantrell said Friday.
Valles, 35, of Elkins disappeared after he went into Richland Creek just after midnight Feb. 28. He was running from a deputy who had used a stun gun on him. He was officially declared missing March 4.
The body was found about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday a half-mile to a mile from the bridge, Cantrell said.
A deputy stopped Feb. 28 to check on an empty car beside the east Twin Bridge near Wyman Road, according to a preliminary report.
One man nearby ran away into the tree line. Officials haven’t identified the man.
The deputy saw another man, believed to be Valles, hiding under the north part of the ledge. The man ran, and during the chase the deputy got close enough to use the stun gun on him.
Valles fell forward and rolled down the hill, got up and began running toward the river, according to the report. The deputy lost sight of him and heard a splash. The deputy saw Valles floating north in the creek, according to his report.