A Tennessee inmate made a daring attempt to escape custody during a hearing at the Cocke County Courthouse on Monday 13th February 2023, according to officials.
Michael Smith, 33, was one of seven inmates present at the hearing, during which he repeatedly stood up from his bench to retrieve tissues from a table near the window.
According to the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office, Smith’s final attempt to reach the tissue box involved opening the window and jumping out of it, in full view of surveillance cameras positioned both inside and outside the building.
Footage from the exterior camera shows Smith, dressed in a striped prison uniform, falling from the second-floor window and narrowly missing a group of air conditioning units before landing on his back.
Despite being shackled and handcuffed, Smith quickly got up and attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by a nearby sergeant.
While Smith suffered minor injuries from the fall, he was taken to a medical centre for treatment and is reportedly in stable condition.
The incident has gained international attention, with many people expressing shock and disbelief at the brazen escape attempt.
The video footage has been widely circulated on social media, prompting discussions about courthouse security measures and the dangers of overcrowded correctional facilities.
The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released a statement about any additional charges or disciplinary action against Smith.
However, officials have emphasised that the safety of both inmates and court personnel remains a top priority and that the incident is being thoroughly investigated.
