News Summary
Sedric T. Stevenson, 28, escaped from police custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while being transported to Kentucky. Despite wearing hand and ankle cuffs, he managed to evade capture during the check-in process and boarded a light rail train. Stevenson’s extensive criminal history includes multiple warrants, and he now faces an additional second-degree escape charge. Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of him as concerns about airport security and prisoner transport protocols arise.
Seattle – Sedric T. Stevenson, 28, escaped from police custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Sunday around 11:00 a.m. while being transported back to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he faced multiple warrants for his arrest.
During the check-in process at the airport’s ticket counter, Stevenson managed to flee towards the light rail station. Authorities attempted to pursue him but were unable to capture him. Following the incident, police reviewed surveillance footage and confirmed that he boarded a light rail train headed northbound.
According to Sound Transit security personnel, Stevenson disembarked at the Capitol Hill station. At the time of his escape, he was seen wearing a white shirt, a grey zip-up hoodie, grey pants, and white shoes. Now, in addition to his previous legal troubles, Stevenson faces an extra charge of second-degree escape in Kentucky.
Stevenson’s criminal background is extensive, with multiple warrants in Bowling Green for charges that include failure to appear for two jury trials. His previous legal issues date back to July 2020 and involve several serious offenses, such as:
- Criminal Possession of Forged Instrument
- Assault on Police or Probation Officer
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon
Furthermore, court records indicate that Stevenson has convictions in Tennessee for facilitating armed robberies, illustrating a troubling pattern of criminal behavior. Despite being secured with hand and ankle cuffs at the time of his escape, the incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the protocols used during prisoner transport and airport security measures.
A “Be On the Lookout” notice has been disseminated to local law enforcement agencies. However, the primary responsibility for locating Stevenson now lies with Kentucky law enforcement, as they seek to recapture him. Seattle police are providing assistance but are not conducting an active search for him at this time.
Authorities advise the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of Stevenson without approaching him. Individuals who see him are urged to call 911 immediately to assist in his recapture.
This incident underscores significant issues regarding prisoner transport and airport security. As investigations continue, questions remain about the processes in place to ensure that such escapes do not happen in the future.
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- WBKO News
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- Seattle Times
- KING 5 News
- Wave 3 News
- Wikipedia: Prisoner Transport
- Google Search: Inmate Escape Seattle
- Google Scholar: Inmate Escape Seattle Tacoma Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Inmate Escape
- Google News: Inmate Escape Seattle
