Franklin AL July 21 2018 A Franklin County security officer was injured Wednesday morning as she was trying to keep an inmate from escaping the courthouse.

Officials are still searching for Troy Dawson, the inmate accused of trying to leave the courthouse, said Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver.

Oliver said the Dawson had been released from prison on community corrections and was visiting the courthouse for a routine drug screening. Dawson failed the screening and was being held at the courthouse until officers could escort him to jail.

Failing a drug screening is a violation of the conditions of his release from prison.

“He took off running out of the courthouse. She chased him,” Oliver said.

Dawson was getting into a vehicle with Melanie Sherrill. Oliver said the relationship between Dawson and Sherrill is unknown at this time.

The security officer was somehow knocked to the ground as the vehicle fled, causing injuries to her arm, he said.

Sherrill was later taken into custody and charged with assault on a police officer and hindering prosecution, he said.

Dawson fled the scene. He is wanted for a violation of his community corrections. Oliver said he could face additional charges.

AL.com

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