Video of Jefferson County inmate escape raises questions about deputy's training
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating how a deputy allowed an inmate to escape custody and steal an ambulance at UAB Hospital in Birmingham this week. The inmate, Phillip Shane Bradford, 45, of Birmingham, is still on the run. Learn more in the video above.
"We have received video that appears to show activity that is not consistent with the training provided to our personnel," the sheriff's office said Friday. "An in-depth investigation into all aspects of this escape is being conducted and appropriate action will be taken upon the conclusion."
Authorities said the deputy was about to transport Bradford back to the county jail when, despite having his hands cuffed and his ankles shackled, the inmate managed to walk fastly to an unlocked ambulance and hop in.
WVTM 13 obtained footage of the escape and the deputy can initially be seen walking several feet behind Bradford as he scurried to the ambulance. The deputy's urgency quickly escalated after Bradford gets in the ambulance and closes the door. The video shows the deputy trying unsuccessfully to get the driver's door open before the inmate drives away.
Later in the day, the ambulance was found abandoned by Birmingham police in the Robinwood area of Tarrant. Bradford was nowhere to be found.
"In an effort to get information regarding the identification of the inmate to the public in a timely manner, it was initially thought that the inmate had “overpowered” the deputy during the transport," the sheriff's office said. "We have been focusing on locating this subject and bringing him back into custody, however, we are also investigating how this inmate was able to escape. This is still an active investigation, however, we have concerns as to whether the deputy properly handled the inmate during transportation."
On Thursday, Cullman police said they believe Bradford stole a 2004 silver GMC Envoy from the Walmart on Olive Street. Police said the car had a red "diver down" sticker on the back window and they reported a woman with dirty blonde hair was with Bradford when the SUV was stolen.
The Envoy would look similar to the vehicle pictured below.
If you see Bradford or have any information regarding his whereabouts, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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