October 4, 1962 — A large posse of state and local police, aided by dogs from the Culpeper station were combing the hills in the Cubbage Hollow section yesterday in a vain search for Earl Smelser, a fugitive from justice and, it is believed, the source of a shot fired Tuesday at state police patrolling in the neighborhood of Smelser’s home.
Smelser has been wanted since August1960 when he was indicted but escaped before being tried for his part in the robbery and slugging of George Lee at the Page Drive-In.
Smelser, who is about 30 years of age, has been in and out of jail since he was a small boy.
Earl apparently has no fear of incarceration as he has escaped jail at least twice.
~ From the public archives of the Page News and Courier
Unfortunately, Mr Smelser would be found shot dead on a road 3 years later in June 1965 near Stanley