DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. — The parents of an escaped inmate have now been charged with helping him escape police custody.
Carlton Gillis, 37, escaped from a detention officer on Saturday while in custody at Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany.
According to an incident report obtained by WALB-TV, Gillis jumped a fence at a construction site near the hospital and hopped in a car being driven by his mother, Trudy Sellars, and stepfather, Randy Williams.
An officer noticed the car and pulled them over. When the officer recognized Gillis, the report said the officer tried to take him into custody, but Gillis then forcefully took the wheel with his stepfather still in the front seat.
His stepfather was able to get out of the car before Gillis sped off with it, WALB-TV reported.
That’s when police said they started chasing Gillis, with speeds going upwards of 80 mph. The report said Gillis drove into oncoming traffic before police were able to stop him.
Police said they eventually found Gillis’ mother in the car, who told them that she tried to get out of the car and that Gillis drove off with her still in the car against her will.
Police eventually arrested Sellars and Williams, and charged them with aiding/permitting another to escape lawful custody.
Gillis remains on the run. He was originally charged with burglary, criminal damage to property, interference with government property, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and probation violation.
He is now facing additional charges of kidnapping, robbery by force, fleeing and attempting to elude, and reckless driving.
©2023 Cox Media Group
