Asheville security guard aids in capture of escaped prisoner
ASHEVILLE, N.C. Nov 4 2017
An inmate who broke free during a doctor’s appointment and escaped has been captured after a security officer spotted him according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Van Duncan made the announcement during a news conference Thursday morning that Michael Calloway, 42, was back in custody.
He was captured at 9:44 a.m., Duncan said.
Calloway had escaped Wednesday afternoon in the area of 1117 Hendersonville Road in Asheville.
According to Natalie Bailey with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Calloway’s restraints were removed at a medical appointment.
After the appointment, Calloway attacked a transportation officer who was with him and escaped, Bailey said. Investigators said Calloway grabbed the officer and tried to hit her head on the ground before fleeing.
A Biltmore Park security guard saw someone that looked like Calloway outside a Mission Health Business office building Thursday morning and notified our office, Duncan said.
Investigators said Calloway was sitting outside the building drinking Gatorade.
Calloway tried to run, but deputies were able to catch up to him and take him into custody.
Asheville and Biltmore Forest police assisted in the search, which lasted through the night.
The sheriff says as many as 100 law enforcement officers were involved in the search.
Officials also flew a thermal drone with an infrared camera over the search area.
Authorities said in a news conference Wednesday, Calloway has a violent history and past and could try to break into houses.
Before the capture, authorities asked nearby residents to keep doors locked and a cell phones nearby. They also went door-to-door Thursday night, checking houses in the area.
Duncan said dozens of tips came in overnight, and he thanked the public for help in capturing Calloway.
Calloway was originally in custody on various charges, including breaking and entering.
