CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — An inmate who managed to escape from a Clayton County hospital on Saturday got free because an officer fell asleep, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
Sheriff Levon Allen says a correction officer fell asleep and James Beasley took her keys and got out of Southern Regional Hospital.
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Beasley got out of his handcuffs and shackles, changed into civilian clothes and got on a MARTA bus to College Park.
Channel 2’s Tom Jones spoke with a woman who says Beasley pretended to work at a College Park recreation center before hopping into her truck and driving off.
“I was like, ‘I know this joker ain’t stealing my truck,’” Veronica Mason said.
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The sheriff’s office says Beasley then led deputies on a chase and was arrested after crashing the truck.
The officer, who has not been identified, faces a termination hearing this week.
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