Escaped inmate in Erwin Police Dept. search found

Update: According to the Erwin Police Department, the inmate had been taken back into custody as of 7:55 p.m.

According to a social media post by Sheriff Mike Hensley, the inmate escaped while being escorted down a stairway at the Unicoi County Courthouse.

Officers immediately began a search and asked the United States Marshal Service for assistance because the inmate had a previous detainer warrant.

The escaped inmate was found riding a stolen bicycle in the area that he had obtained after entering a basement, changing clothes and taking the bicycle, according to the sheriff. He was then taken into custody.

The sheriff’s department would like to thank all who were involved, especially Unicoi County 911 dispatchers.

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