Prisoner Escape Prompts Sheriff's Investigation Into Courthouse Procedures, Staff

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The Cook County Sheriff's Office is investigating how a prisoner at the Rolling Meadows courthouse last week managed to slip his handcuffs and escape authorities, leading to a manhunt involving law enforcement agencies from around the area, the Daily Herald reports.

Officials intend to evaluate security procedures, as well as personnel, the report stated. A sheriff's spokeswoman, however, told the Herald that a guard shortage at the Cook County courthouse, 2121 Euclid Ave., wasn't a factor that led Jonathan Scott's attempt to flee authorities Wednesday, July 20.

Scott was at the courthouse for a hearing in connection with violating an order of protection, and a judge set his bail at $30,000. After his hearing, Scott was handcuffed to a table, but he was able to slip out of them. Scott then left the courthouse unnoticed.

More Patch Coverage

• Police Capture Prisoner Who Slipped His Cuffs and Escaped From Courthouse
  
• Arlington Heights Resident Helps Foil Fugitive's Escape

After three-hour search, Scott eventually was apprehended in Arlington Heights after a resident noticed him trying to hide in the trunk of a garaged car.

Scott is currently being held on $1 million bail, and he has been charged with felony escape in connection with the July 20 incident, the Herald reports. He could face seven to 14 years in prison without probation if convicted, the report added.

More via the Daily Herald

PHOTO: Jonathan Scott (Cook County Sheriff's Office)

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