BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Authorities in Tennessee say a deputy fell asleep while watching an inmate, who then fled in the deputy’s personal car.
The Kingsport Times-News reports that Sullivan County Sheriff Wayne Anderson fired Beck Owens following Saturday’s escape.
A news release from the sheriff’s office says that Donovan Austin left his room at Bristol Regional Medical Center when Owens fell asleep Saturday morning. He fled in Owens’ vehicle, which was in the parking lot. Officers located Austin, and a short chase ensued.
He was apprehended within an hour of leaving the hospital.
Austin’s charges and medical treatment have not bene released. An investigation is ongoing.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Owens had a response to his firing.
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Information from: Kingsport Times-News, http://www.timesnews.net
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