Inmate escapes transport vehicle, quickly apprehended in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Columbus County inmate was quickly apprehended Wednesday afternoon after escaping from a transport vehicle while being taken to the New Hanover County Detention Facility.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., a Columbus County Sheriff’s Office transport deputy was transporting the inmate to the detention facility when the inmate escaped custody from the vehicle.

The deputy immediately notified dispatch and requested assistance.

New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area, established a perimeter and began searching for the inmate.

Deputies located the inmate and returned the person to custody. The inmate was then transported to the New Hanover County Detention Facility.

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office deputies also responded to the request for assistance and were en route, along with additional Columbus County personnel, when New Hanover County deputies located the inmate.

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers commended the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office for its response.

Rogers said a review of the incident will be conducted to determine whether procedures were followed and whether changes are needed to current inmate transport procedures.

No further information was immediately available as the review remains ongoing.