Escaped Jail inmate captured after 1-minute run

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has released details regarding an incident at the Stephens County Jail that occurred over the weekend.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, on Sunday, March 8, an inmate, identified as Anthony Christopher Bland, 20, of Eastanollee, escaped from the Stephens County Jail.

Shirley says a detailed investigation found that while Bland was being escorted, as part of a group for visitation, he was able to exit through a door leading to the administration wing of the jail.

This was due to a mechanical failure of the locking mechanism on the door.

Shirley says after going through the doors, Bland fled on foot out the front of the jail, with jail staff pursuing him.

Jail staff were able to apprehend Bland, after being on the lamb for a little more than a minute.

As a result of the investigation, the mechanical issue has been repaired and additional measures have been put in place to prevent any future issues with the doors.

Bland has been charged with felony escape and is awaiting a bond hearing on this charge.

According to Shirley, Bland was previously being held on charges of Felony Theft by Taking and Multiple Entering Autos.