Fugitives To Return To Court After Pontiac Escape
Chief Judge To Review Court's Security Policy
POSTED: Tuesday, August 16, 2005
PONTIAC, Mich. -- Four men who escaped from 50th District Court in Pontiac on Monday were expected to return to court Tuesday afternoon, Local 4 reported.
The men now face additional charges of fleeing from custody after they overpowered a security guard at the court on Monday afternoon to break loose, police said.
Maki Ragland, 20, and his brother, Joseph, 17, were taken into custody near the court, according to police. Both were being held on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
Michael Rutherford, 36, was also apprehended nearby. Rutherford, who was in court on home invasion charges, also made a brief escape from custody on Friday, Local 4 reported.
Jahmal Dillahunty, 23, led Pontiac police and Oakland County Sheriff's deputies on a three-hour search through neighborhoods before they were able to capture him outside of a Pontiac home, police said. Dillahunty was in custody on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
The prisoners who escaped on Monday were not wearing shackles on their wrists or ankles, the station reported.
Chief Judge Leo Bowman, of the 50th District Court, said he's reviewing the court's security procedures and plans to come up with stricter measures, the station reported.
"There will be more police officer personnel present in that court beginning with tomorrow," said Pontiac Police Chief Rollie Gackstetter.
The security guard who was attacked was treated and released for minor injuries at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.
Local 4 has contacted the office of Pontiac's mayor to determine if the city's recent budget cuts may be having an effect on security at the courthouse.
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