ATLANTA (AP) – Law enforcement officials are actively searching for a Georgia inmate who escaped from a hospital and is now considered armed and dangerous. Timothy Shane, 52, was taken to a hospital in Atlanta on the evening of Sunday, November 24. He managed to escape from the hospital around 1 a.m. on Monday, stealing an SUV that was parked nearby.
Shane, who was in custody facing felony drug and weapon charges, crashed the stolen SUV shortly after his escape. Upon leaving the vehicle, he took a Glock handgun from it, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. This incident has escalated the urgency of the search for Shane, as he is now deemed potentially dangerous due to his possession of a firearm.
Officials reported that video footage captured Shane stealing a Pontiac Grand Prix near the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. After further investigation, the authorities located the Pontiac abandoned outside a grocery store in Henry County, situated approximately 33 miles (53.1 kilometers) south of Atlanta. Despite these leads, Shane remained elusive.
When Shane initially escaped from the hospital, he was reportedly wearing a blue hospital gown and lacked shoes. As the search progressed, he changed into a red hoodie and dark blue pants, which may complicate his identification. Authorities have pieced together that Shane ordered an Uber to a residence in south Rockdale, but law enforcement officials did not find him at that location.
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to come forward with any information regarding Shane’s escape or current whereabouts. They have provided contact options for those with relevant tips, hoping to expedite his capture.
Currently, Shane is not listed in online county court records, and jail records do not indicate that he has an attorney. Both the public defender’s office and the prosecutor’s office have yet to respond to inquiries regarding legal representation for Shane or any comments on his behalf.
Incarcerated since November 24, Shane faces serious charges, including attempting or committing a felony with a firearm or knife, as well as possession of methamphetamine, as documented in jail records. The circumstances surrounding his escape, combined with the nature of his charges, have intensified the response from law enforcement officials.
The search for Timothy Shane continues, and authorities remain on high alert. They are determined to locate him promptly due to the potential risks associated with his escape and armed status. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could assist in the ongoing manhunt.
