Authorities in Atlanta have launched a manhunt for man who escaped from police custody while shackled just hours after a murder suspect fled from officers nearby in almost identical circumstances.
Devonte Detuan Ross was being transported Friday morning by Clayton County sheriff from Fresno, California to a Jackson, Georgia state prison.
Two deputies transporting Ross stopped at a QuikTrip gas station to get a bite to eat near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
While at the gas station, Ross jumped out of the vehicle and fled while cuffed in the front with waist chains, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Ross’ escape came after murder suspect Jsaan Carlos Strover, 20, was arrested when a local TV crew spotted him hiding in the bushes while covering the story.
Officials are searching for Devonte Detuan Ross. He is 5 ft, 135 lbs. with tattoos all over his face and neck including a cross under his eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and black shoes with orange stripes
Two deputies transporting Ross stopped at a QuikTrip gas station to get a bite to eat near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport when he escaped
Ross is believed to be in the area of North Clayton High School, just south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Ross had served time in prison for burglary and narcotics trafficking charges, and was being returned to prison for violating requirements of his sentence.
Officials say Ross is 5 ft, 135 lbs. with tattoos all over his face and neck including a cross under his eye.
He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and black shoes with orange stripes.
‘Ross should still be cuffed in the front with waist chains if he has not found a way to release them,’ officials said.
The manhunt has placed multiple Clayton County schools in a soft lockdown for staff and students until further notice.
North Clayton High School, North Clayton Middle School, Northcutt Elementary School, Oliver Elementary School and, West Clayton Elementary School, according to officials.
Police have also placed a large presence at the The Park at Leeds Apartments. Ross is familiar with the area and could have friends nearby, added officials.
Officials ask people not to approach Ross. Instead, officials ask people to call 911 or Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477), text information to 274637 or by visiting StopCrimeATL.com.
Ross’ escape came after murder suspect Jsaan Carlos Strover, 20, was arrested when a local TV crew spotted him hiding in the bushes while covering the story. Stover is seen being arrested
Reporter Matt Johnson said he and Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes
Jssan Carlos Strover, 20, was barefoot, handcuffed in the front of his body and shackled at the waist when he escaped
Strover was barefoot, handcuffed and shackled at the waist while being escorted by two Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia when he made his escape.
He was in the process of being extradited to Arizona from Georgia.
Officials say the two deputies removed Strover’s leg restraints to walk him down stairs at a rental car facility and he then powered past them.
After a manhunt, a reporter and photojournalist with WSB-TV said they saw Strover while they were driving down a road near the airport at 11.15pm on Thursday.
Reporter Matt Johnson said he and Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes.
Johnson said police were nearby, so they flagged down an officer and then started filming as the suspect was arrested.
Strover was wanted for murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in Arizona.
He is wanted in connection with a shooting that left one man dead and another injured at a bar in Phoenix on February 19.
He was arrested by US Marshals in the Atlanta area on April 12 on other charges, but was already wanted in Arizona.
Fulton County, Georgia, Sheriff Patrick Labat told reporters Strover had run away after deputies unshackled his legs so he could walk down stairs.
‘They removed the leg restraints to escort him down the steps and at that point he pushed past them,’ Labat said.
Dozens of officers from multiple agencies had searched for Strover with dogs and helicopters Thursday.
Strover escaped custody while in shackles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia
