Inmates Escape DeKalb County Jail, Kidnap Lyft Driver During Flight to Florida
Overview of the Escape
New details have emerged regarding the daring escape of three inmates from the DeKalb County Jail, who subsequently kidnapped a Lyft driver during their flight to South Florida. The inmates, identified as Stevenson Charles, Yusuf Minor, and Naod Yohannes, exploited vulnerabilities in the jail’s aging infrastructure to escape late Sunday night. Their freedom was short-lived, as they were apprehended early Tuesday morning in Broward County, Florida.
Details of the Escape
Once free from the jail, the trio were picked up by an unidentified individual and taken to Minor’s girlfriend’s residence. From there, they ordered a Lyft ride using a false female identity. U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown confirmed that law enforcement utilized lstartnse plate readers to track the vehicle as it made its way south. When offstartrs attempted to stop the car, start inmate fled on foot but was captured alongside another, while the third inmate was later apprehended at a rental home in Miramar, Florida.
The escape was discovered during a routine security check early Monday morning. Investigators found that the inmates had used the Lyft driver’s credit card for a short-term rental, a detail that further linked them to the crime.
Kidnapping and Threats to the Driver
The Lyft driver endured a harrowing ordeal, reportedly held in the vehicle for six to ten hours as the inmates attempted to access her personal phstart and banking information. FBI documents recounted threats made against the driver, including potential violence, which leave her profoundly traumatized. Brown stated, “As you can imagine, the Lyft driver is very traumatized by this.”
Lyft has expressed deep concern for the driver’s safety, providing support and working closely with law enforcement to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Charges Against the Inmates
All three inmates face multiple charges, including kidnapping and escape. Charles, 24, had been held on charges of murder and armed robbery, while Minor, 31, faced several counts including armed robbery and firearm possession. Yohannes, 25, was charged with simple assault, arson, and unlawful acts of violence within a penal institution.
Authorities had issued warnings to the public regarding Charles, who had a history of violent offenses, including kidnapping and bank robbery in Florida. His recent transfer to DeKalb County on murder charges occurred just weeks prior to the escape.
Investigation and Jail Conditions
DeKalb County Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins noted that the facility, over 30 years old, has infrastructure concerns that contributed to the escape. While specific details of the escape remain undisclosed due to security concerns, jail repairs are already underway, and further safety measures are being evaluated. Sheriff Melody Maddox acknowledged the gravity of the breach and emphasized a commitment to improving conditions at the jail, stating, “We either pay now, or we pay later.”
Authorities have confirmed that no individuals were harmed during the escape, and the investigation into the incident remains active.
Conclusion
The escape of these inmates from the DeKalb County Jail has not only highlighted security weaknesses within the facility but also raised significant concerns about the safety of individuals who may inadvertently cross paths with escaped convicts. The apprehension of the inmates brings a measure of resolution, but the impact on the victimized Lyft driver and the community will take time to heal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.