4 - Hometown Hard News

Hannah Diffee

Professor Reppert

Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media

Fall 2024

4 - Hometown Hard News

Escaped Inmate Captured

On September 27, Drew County Sheriff Tim Nichols shared that an inmate had been captured after escaping from the Drew County Detention Facility. 34-year-old Justin Evans of Crossett, Arkansas, fled the facility at 210 S Main St. in Monticello while state inmates were working in the kitchen area. 

After leaving the recreation yard at 4:02 p.m., Evans was allowed to use a phone before being placed back in his cell. During this time, he attempted to stab a Transport Officer multiple times with a pen before moving to the kitchen area. The interior door was propped open, and the door leading outside had not fully latched, allowing Evans to exit the building. He was captured and taken back into custody at 4:07 p.m. Sheriff Nichols labeled the incident an embarrassment but reported that, thankfully, no one was injured. "I want to thank all of those involved in the apprehension of Evans. Although this is embarrassing, I want to ensure you the people that we are taking the appropriate steps to make sure this doesn't happen again," he said.

Evans had been arrested on September 17 on breaking/entering, theft of a firearm, and criminal mischief charges of the second degree.