A local inmate, disguised as another inmate set to be released on bond, was able to get about half an hour head start before jail officials discovered the clerical error. But it was what the escaped inmate did next that left local law enforcement scratching their heads.
“He went to the parking lot of the federal prison and attempted to hitch a ride,” said Chief Deputy Edward “Tra” Ferrell, with the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department. “Needless to say, he was quickly apprehended.”
Marlon Willis, 45, was charged with escape, providing false identification and resisting arrest. He was already in jail custody on possession of controlled substance and paraphernalia charges.
Ferrell said Willis disguised himself as another county inmate scheduled to be released on bond last Friday.
“After the paperwork had been completed, it was discovered the inmate was not who he claimed to be,” Ferrell said. “But, at that point, he had already gone out through the back of the jail.”
Ferrell said jail officials quickly alerted other law enforcement agencies about the escape, including the Federal Correctional Complex.
“The federal prison was aware of the suspect and what he was wearing,” Ferrell said. “Prison employees recognized the suspect, who was wearing the same clothes, in the parking lot, where he was attempting to hitch a ride.”
Ferrell said the sheriff’s department is grateful to the federal prison employees who immediately contacted their department. After a short foot chase, Willis was apprehended and returned to the county jail.
