Authorities say Georgia prisoner used Uber to escape from deputies

A Georgia inmate labeled as "armed and dangerous" managed to elude sheriff's deputies by using an Uber after breaking free from custody at a hospital, authorities reported on December 2.

Timothy Shane, 52, escaped from Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta around 1:20 a.m. local time on December 1 while under the supervision of deputies, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office. Shane had been brought to the hospital on November 30 at approximately 8 p.m. for a medical check-up following a suicide attempt.

According to the sheriff's office, Shane fled the hospital on foot and took an SUV parked nearby. Soon after, he was involved in a vehicular accident and continued on foot. The owner of the stolen SUV reported that a Glock handgun had been taken from the vehicle.

Further investigation revealed that Shane had requested an Uber to reach a home in south Rockdale County, just outside Atlanta. Deputies executed a search warrant at the location but did not find Shane. The sheriff's office emphasized that Shane remains "armed and dangerous," noting that he is now believed to be wearing a red hoodie, dark blue pants, and shoes. Authorities said they are continuing to follow all leads as they arise.

After the hospital escape, deputies and local law enforcement scoured the surrounding area. Surveillance footage captured Shane taking a silver Pontiac Grand Prix near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, just over a mile from the hospital. The vehicle was last seen traveling on State Route 138 in Rockdale County toward Henry County.

By around 9 p.m. local time on December 1, the sheriff's office reported Shane was last known to be at a Publix supermarket on Highway 155 in Henry County, south of Atlanta. At that time, it was unclear whether he had taken another vehicle or remained in the area.

Deputies recovered the stolen vehicle at the Publix supermarket, which led to the discovery that Shane had arranged an Uber ride to a residence in south Rockdale County. How Shane managed to summon the ride remains uncertain.

Shane is described as 5-foot-9 with a buzzed haircut. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a blue hospital gown and no shoes. Authorities believe he now has on a red hoodie, dark blue pants, and shoes. Shane has a documented history of fleeing custody and facing felony drug and weapons charges, reinforcing the warning that he should be treated as highly dangerous.

Author: Sophia Brooks