Manhunt underway after inmate escapes from courthouse in DeSoto County, MS
HERNANDO, Miss. — A manhunt is underway Friday for a DeSoto County inmate who escaped from the courthouse in Hernando, Miss. after changing from a jumpsuit into civilian clothes.
Inmate Joshua James Zimmerman has been on the run since shortly before 8 a.m. from the courthouse, where he was scheduled for a hearing, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office said.
The courthouse was on lockdown and businesses around the courthouse were closed.
Friday evening, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office announced that Zimmerman is believed to have left the immediate area.
DeSoto County law enforcement provided the photo (below) of Zimmerman’s escape, where he appears to be walking out a door with no officers present. Our reporter at the scene also shot photos of sheriff’s vehicles surrounding the Hernando courthouse square.
DeSoto County’s Fugitive Apprehension Team is searching for Zimmerman. Sheriff Thomas Tuggle said he was confident the inmate would be found.
Zimmerman was arrested in Southaven on Sept. 29 and charged by the Southaven Police Department with multiple felonies, including attempted murder and armed robbery. Authorities accuse him of robbing a vulnerable person.
He also faces charges out of Houston, Texas. According to a news release from Houston Police, Zimmerman was allegedly involved in a woman’s fatal shooting at a motel last Sept. 2.
Zimmerman has a beard in his most recent photos (Photos courtesy of the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office) Zimmerman has a beard in his most recent photos (Photos courtesy of the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office)
Zimmerman should be considered dangerous, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office.
He is currently believed to be wearing as khaki do rag, khaki pants, white T-shirt and jail-issued flip-flops.
Please call (662) 429-TIPS if you have information on Zimmerman’s whereabouts. Anyone assisting him will be charged, authorities say.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
