The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is searching for an escaped inmate after he escaped custody in an ambulance, fleeing to the Robinwood area Wednesday afternoon.
Police were blocking off intersections in Jefferson County just off Pinson Valley Parkway around 5 p.m. Wednesday. There was a heavy police presence in the Robinwood area with multiple agencies responding to the area.
A Birmingham Police car was blocking the intersection of 4th Street and 6th Avenue. Other agencies on the scene included Tarrant Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. A helicopter was also in the area to aid in the search.
The inmate was identified as Phillip Shane Bradford, a 45-year-old man who was in custody for first degree armed robbery.
Records also show Bradford was charged with third degree escape and attempting to elude a police officer on Jan. 29. Other charges include obstruction of governmental operations, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear charge and nine probation violations.
Police said Bradford was being transported to UAB Hospital for treatment just after 4 p.m. Upon arrival, Bradford overpowered the deputy and left the scene in a previously unoccupied ambulance. The ambulance was located in the Robinwood area.