x
Breaking News
More () »

Officials capture escaped Sebastian County inmate

Officials say the inmate broke out of the transportation van and ran toward a "wooded area."

LONOKE, Ark — On Saturday, July 8, a Sebastian County inmate broke out of a transportation van that was transporting prisoners committed to the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Eastern Arkansas. 

The inmate reportedly escaped from the van when it was stopped for gas in Lonoke, according to the City of Lonoke Police Department (LPD).

Officials say the van had stopped for gas at Jordan's Kwik Stop near Interstate 40. 

Joshua Abbott, an inmate inside the van allegedly "broke out" of the van and took off "into the wooded area east of the gas station."

The other prisoners in the van reportedly did not participate in the escape.

Officials say Lonoke authorities, Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas Department of Corrections, and a K-9 team "flooded the area" to search for the inmate until finally capturing him the same day.

An internal investigation is being conducted by Sebastian County Sheriff's Office investigators.

Credit: Lonoke Police Department
Credit: Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office

*******UPDATE******* SUSPECT IS IN CUSTODY! Public Announcement… Currently the Lonoke Police, Lonoke County...

Posted by City of Lonoke Police Department on Saturday, July 8, 2023

CAPTURED The inmate, Joshua Abbott, who escaped Sebastian County custody in our city, has been captured. There is no threat to the public. Great job to all officers involved.

Posted by City of Lonoke Police Department on Saturday, July 8, 2023

Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.

Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:

Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device

To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.

 



Before You Leave, Check This Out