Rabun County inmate escapes then returns

Photo: Rabun County Detention Center

An inmate at the Rabun County Detention Center escaped Monday morning but return approximately 15 minutes later according to the Rabun County Sheriff's Office.

Officials state that Richard Jason Crump, 45, was assigned to an inmate work detail on Monday, March 9, when he used a tool shed to climb over a rear section of the facility’s outer perimeter fence shortly after 8:00 a.m.

Authorities said that once outside the secure area, Crump traveled on foot through a wooded area located between the detention center and the Rabun County Recycling Center.

Crump was observed in the wood line on Boen Creek Road, across the street from the Sheriff’s Office. A statement from the sheriff’s office said that one of the investigators called out to Crump but Crump continued through the wooded area back in the direction of the detention center.

Officials say Crump then climbed back over the same section of fencing and reentered the detention center approximately 15 minutes after his initial escape.

No explanation has been provided regarding why Crump returned to the facility.

The incident remains under investigation.