By Matt Wiley
An escaped convict has been arrested in Brandon, after walking away from a work detail in Wesley Chapel on September 8.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), convicted felon Jason Adams, 27, of Brevard County–who escaped from a Sumter County work detail that was working along S.R. 54 near Oak Grove Blvd. on September 8–was arrested on September 9 while riding a bicycle in Brandon. HCSO says that a deputy spotted Adams on Broadway Ave. near Harris Parkway Pl. and asked for his identification, after which he placed him under arrest.
The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) reports that Adams walked away from a Sumter County Correctional Institute (where he is an inmate) work detail, after stepping into the woods to use the bathroom. The work detail was helping to clean state roads in the area for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), but Adams didn’t return. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office received the call from DOC around 4:25 p.m.
“There may have been clothes that he changed into,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said during a September 9 press conference, adding that not only is PCSO looking for Adams, but also any citizens that may have helped them. “This investigation doesn’t stop when we get Adams back (to Pasco) in handcuffs.”
Nocco said that Adams walked away from the work detail around 3:10 p.m., headed west to the Florida Medical Clinic facility on S.R. 54 and was taken by cab into the City of Tampa around 4 p.m. Because of the ongoing investigation, the location where he was dropped off could not be disclosed, Nocco said. Adams reportedly was smoking cigarettes and paid for the cab with cash. However, this information that was provided by a FMC employee was not received until about 8:30 p.m.
“We know that (Adams) isn’t in Pasco,” Nocco said. “He’s on the move. We’re working closely with the DOC, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Marshalls Office.”
Nocco said that an arrest warrant for Adams’ escape has been issued, a second-degree felony. Adams has family in both Titusville and in South Carolina and Nocco said that law enforcement agencies in both areas have been notified of his escape.
“I want to make it clear, if you are aiding and embedding, you will be charged,” Nocco said, adding that Adams is considered to be armed and dangerous.
PCSO launched an overnight manhunt to locate Adams, using helicopters, deputies and DOC bloodhounds. However, all that was found was Adams’ blue and white striped prison uniform and nametag.
Adams was serving the first of a six-year term for burglary and grand theft in Brevard County.
“Jason’s out there,” Nocco said. “We’re doing everything we can to bring him back here.”
No additional information is available at this time. Stay tuned for updates.
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