Crime & Safety
Carbon Hill Escapee Who Set Jail Fire Surrenders To Police
A Walker County man has turned himself in after setting a fire and escaping the jail in Carbon Hill earlier this week.
CARBON HILL, AL — Police say a Carbon Hill inmate who escaped from a Walker County jail Wednesday evening has turned himself back over to authorities after several days on the run.
Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alert
Joe Brandon "Chewy" Thornton, 32, reportedly escaped the small jail in Carbon Hill Wednesday evening after setting a blanket on fire in his cell area using an electronic cigarette or vape. Carbon Hill Police Chief Antoine Cobb said Thornton turned himself in to police Friday night shortly after 8 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Tuscaloosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Carbon Hill Police Department said in an update that the source of the fire, which prompted an evacuation of the small jail, was confirmed by security footage taken. As Patch previously reported, it is unclear at this time how Thornton obtained the e-cigarette.
CHPD also said the main concern of the jailer on shift when the fire broke was evacuating the facility as quickly and safely as possible. The female jailer was then able to grab a fire extinguisher and put out the burning blanket as soon as the inmates were clear of danger.
Find out what's happening in Tuscaloosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
But as smoke started filling the jail and bay areas where inmates were evacuated, CHPD says the facility's doors had to be opened or raised to help clear out the smoke.
This is when investigators believe Thornton saw his window of opportunity and made a run for it.
As Patch previously reported, CHPD received a call from a third party following the escape who informed investigators that Thornton had forced his way inside into two apartments.
However, CHPD explained on Thursday that investigators had since learned Thornton knew the elderly residents of these apartments and was reportedly asking for help. Despite his connections to the residents, he was turned away at both places.
Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
