Who Is Timothy Shane? Escaped Georgia Inmate Sparks Manhunt

By Jenna Sundel

News Reporter

ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Georgia officials are searching for inmate Timothy Shane, who escaped from an Atlanta hospital on Monday.

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office said Shane was seen stealing a silver Pontiac Grand Prix on video footage. The sheriff’s office announced on Tuesday that the vehicle was found, but Shane remains at large.

Officials said they believe that Shane is wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and dark blue pants. He was wearing a blue hospital gown and no shoes when he escaped, but officials said they believe he now has shoes. He is described as a 5-foot-9 white male with a buzzed haircut.

Why It Matters

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office said Shane has a history of fleeing and felony drug and weapon charges.

“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the sheriff’s office said.

...

What To Know

Shane is a 52-year-old resident of Covington, Georgia, according to jail records. He was booked into Rockdale County Jail on November 24 after being arrested by the Conyers Police Department.

He is facing multiple charges, including felony fleeing and attempt to elude a police officer for a felony offense, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, according to jail records.

Shane was transported to Grady Hospital in Atlanta at around 8 p.m. on Sunday for a medical examination after reportedly attempting suicide. He escaped while in deputy custody at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Monday.

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office said Shane stole an SUV after fleeing on foot. He was involved in an accident shortly after and fled on foot again, according to the sheriff’s office. The owner of the stolen vehicle told officials that a handgun was stolen from the vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said Shane was then seen stealing a Pontiac Grand Prix near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on video footage. The vehicle was found at a Publix supermarket on Highway 155 in Henry County.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that Shane requested an Uber to a residence in South Rockdale. A search warrant was executed at the residence, but Shane was not located.

What People Are Saying

Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, on Facebook: “We will continue to follow up on leads as they become available.”

Grady Memorial Hospital, in a statement to Newsweek: “The existing policy for inmates under treatment at the hospital is that the custodial law enforcement agency must have one-to-one oversight of them at all times.”