January 12, 2023
ALABAMA WORK RELEASE INMATE RECAPTURED IN GEORGIA
ADOC works with agencies across state lines to recapture escapee
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) confirms that escaped inmate Linwood Harris was recaptured in Columbus, Georgia, on Thursday, January 5, 2023. The inmate escape report was issued on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. He is awaiting extradition from Georgia back to ADOC custody. Harris, an inmate at Frank Lee Community Work Center, is serving a 15-year sentence for Robbery III out of Russell County. At the time of his escape, he was eligible for parole in June of 2023.
Harris was first reported missing from his assigned job in Montgomery the afternoon of January 3, 2023. His supervisor notified ADOC that he was no longer on the premises at approximately 5:00 p.m. Shortly after, video footage confirmed Harris leaving the business in a customer’s vehicle.
ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division (LESD) immediately began working the case and notified local agencies in Russell County and Muscogee County, Ga., once the vehicle was determined to be on Interstate 85 traveling east. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Russell County Deputy’s Office joined the search.
On Wednesday, it was determined that Harris was most likely in the Columbus, Ga., area. On Thursday, agents received an alert of the stolen vehicle in the suspected area. The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Police Department (CPD), and the Georgia State Patrol were notified and later that afternoon, the CPD spotted the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and detained the driver which was not Harris. The driver provided a possible location for Harris.
LESD agents, the CPD, and county investigators arrived at the address, located Harris, and took him into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Muscogee County Jail where he was held on the charges of Escape 1st Degree and Theft 1st Degree, pending extradition.
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