CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – An inmate has been taken back into custody after briefly escaping at the Montgomery County Courthouse Tuesday.
According to MCSO Public Information Officer Sandra Brandon, the inmate, identified as Jose Luis Garcia, escaped from his holding cell at the courthouse sometime around 10:45 a.m.
The courthouse was placed on lockdown and evacuated while law enforcement searched the building. A K-9 unit was brought in to assist with the search.
“Garcia’s brief hiatus contained him to the lower level of the courthouse the entire time,” Brandon said. “The design of the building does not allow for an inmate to escape the confines of the building, especially the lower level of the courthouse.”
Deputy Trout and his K9 Fuse located Garcia in the ductwork just above the holding area around 12:10 p.m.
Garcia, 45, was awaiting a 1:30 p.m. court date. He is on trial for the following charges: auto theft, property theft, fugitive from justice, and two counts of driving on a revoked license.
Garcia was not injured during the apprehension and was returned to the detention center. He will face additional charges for his escape attempt as well as vandalism.
The courthouse has been reopened.