Trending Topics

Family members convince escaped S.C. inmate to turn himself back in

The inmate escaped from Jasper County deputies outside a courthouse and fled to Georgia, where family members convinced him to turn himself in

Jasper County (S.C.) Sheriff's Office

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

By Evan McKenna
The Island Packet (Hilton Head Island, S.C.)

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. — Days after Jasper County’s other escapee was found and arrested in northern Florida, a second fugitive has turned himself in to authorities after slipping away from law enforcement outside the county courthouse last month.

Jashaun Heyward, 23, surrendered to police early Tuesday morning and was returned into custody at the Jasper County Detention Center. Initially accused of misdemeanor assault and pointing firearms at a person, he now faces additional charges for his breakaway, according to the sheriff’s office.

The escape happened just after 2 p.m. on June 28, as Jasper County deputies led Heyward out of the courthouse after his bond was revoked. He escaped the officers’ grasp and fled to Georgia, where family members convinced the man to turn himself in.

Jasper County’s criminal investigations division is looking into the circumstances of Heyward’s escape. Charges could be brought forward against any individuals who might have helped the fugitive evade police, the release says.

Heyward’s return to jail concludes a tumultuous month in Jasper County after two inmates escaped law enforcement custody less than three weeks apart. Port Royal resident and convicted sex offender Jaquan Duvall Barnes, 29, was arrested during a Monday traffic stop in Jacksonville, Florida following his escape from the county’s understaffed detention center in early June.


It is predictable that inmates will try to escape from jail, but through officer teamwork, it is preventable. In this tip, risk management expert and Lexipol co-founder Gordan Graham discusses what that teamwork should entail.

___

(c)2024 The Island Packet (Hilton Head, S.C.)
Visit The Island Packet (Hilton Head, S.C.) at www.islandpacket.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending
Groveland Corrections Officer David Hilburger, 53, was known among peers for his calming presence in a high-stress environment
The case hinged on whether inmate Charles Givens died from a beating or a seizure-induced fall; the jury found no evidence of officer wrongdoing
Messiah Nantwi resisted being handcuffed and grabbed a CO’s vest during an emergency response call, leading several COs to strike the inmate, the indictment says