Man escapes from police headed into jail

Policies and procedures regarding the transporting of prisoners will be tightened up by Philadelphia Police after a man escaped custody on the way into jail last week.

Demarquese Gibson, 20, had been arrested and charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing a car from an automobile dealer when he escaped, officials said.

While being transported to the Winston County Jail on Tuesday, Gibson escaped upon arrival, according to police.

“Gibson escaped the custody of our officer and fled on foot as they arrived at the Winston County facility,” PPD said in a Facebook post last Wednesday.

Gibson was apprehended in a wooded area Wednesday afternoon after fleeing Tuesday, Philadelphia Police Detective Bobby Pattillo said.

“Demarquese Gibson has been captured and is currently being held at Winston County Jail,” Pattillo said.

Gibson was reportedly apprehended near Grace Christian School in Louisville.

Pattillo said Gibson’s grand larceny charge stemmed for 2021 Dodge Challenger he is believed to have stolen from Griffis Motors on Holland Avenue on Monday, June 21.

Gibson was arrested later that evening in Grenada. The vehicle has also been recovered.

Assistance provided by several law enforcement agencies throughout Winston and surrounding counties is appreciated, PPD said.  

“These agencies never let up spending countless hours tracking through woods, following leads, and utilizing many resources to help capture Gibson,” they said.