Woman severely beaten, suspect identified

CHIPLEY —  A Chipley woman was found severely beaten Thursday and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect.

In a written release, WCSO said the office received a call about a possible kidnapping and assault shortly before 1 p.m. Officers arrived at a residence on Eloise Road and found the victim, who’s name is being withheld at this time, severely beaten, WCSO said. Washington County EMS took the victim to Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley. She was listed in critical condition Thursday night, WCSO said.

Following interviews with the victim, investigators were able to piece together a timeline and identify a suspect, Christopher Cruz Walley, 25.

According to WCSO, the victim said she had been in a vehicle with Walley on Wednesday when without warning, Walley stopped the vehicle and started beating the victim with his hands and an expandable police baton until the victim lost consciousness. When the victim regained consciousness, she was in the trunk of the vehicle. Walley continued to travel throughout the evening and into the next day, making several stops with the victim still in the trunk. Walley came to a stop on Eloise Road and the victim was able to escape to a nearby residence where a neighbor called law enforcement.

Officers with WCSO have organized a search for Walley with the help of the Florida Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshal’s Office. Walley is believed to be traveling in a white 1998 Ford Expedition, with the tag number B905MA, WCSO said.

WCSO is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Walley.

“We are actively employing all resources available to apprehend a suspect who violently attacked a resident of our community,” Sheriff Bobby Haddock said. “We are all hands on deck until this case is resolved and we are asking the community to be vigilant in reporting anything that looks suspicious or that could be related to this case. Please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with this information immediately. As always, you can remain anonymous by reporting through 638-TIPS (8477).”