Video: Truck Driven by Inmate Goes Airborne
WEBSTER PARISH, Louisiana -- An inmate who escaped during work-release last month is back in police custody following a dramatic crash caught on camera.
The incident began Tuesday around 1:30 p.m. when a Webster Parish Sheriff's deputy stopped a Toyota Tacoma speeding on U.S. Highway 371 in Dixie Inn, according to KSLA-TV.
As the deputy spoke with the driver of the truck that had been reported stolen, the passenger -- identified as 18-year-old inmate Kevonte Dekorey Austin -- moved into the driver's seat and fled the scene.
Deputies chased Austin at speeds reaching 115 miles per hour.
The inmate lost control of the pickup truck when it hit spike strips deputies set out, causing the truck to go airborne and land on a parked Toyota Carolla in the parking lot of a nearby restaurant.
Barbara Harlon was inside the parked car, but was luckily unhurt and was able to escape unhurt though the passenger door.
Austin was employed at Halco Productions in Shreveport and was last seen leaving the business on Feb. 8.
Austin was in jail for car theft and a probation violation.