DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (AP) — A DeKalb County Jail inmate serving a life sentence for a series of violent attacks targeting gay men was recaptured after escaping custody and fleeing the state, authorities said.
Stevenson Charles, 24, was one of three inmates who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail early Monday. Law enforcement officials described Charles as particularly dangerous because of his criminal history, which includes armed robberies and assaults that prosecutors said were motivated by bias against gay men.
Federal prosecutors previously said Charles used dating apps to lure victims, then robbed them at gunpoint. In several cases, authorities said, he forced victims to withdraw money from ATMs while threatening them with violence. At least one victim was pistol-whipped during the attacks. The crimes led to federal convictions and a life sentence, with hate crime enhancements applied due to the targeting of victims based on sexual orientation.
Following the escape, authorities launched a multistate manhunt and warned the public not to approach Charles under any circumstances. Investigators said Charles fled Georgia and traveled to South Florida, where he was located less than 24 hours later.
During the escape, Charles and the other inmates allegedly abducted a rideshare driver, restraining her while forcing her to drive them south. The driver was later rescued when law enforcement intercepted the vehicle. She was treated for injuries and is expected to recover.
Charles was taken into custody after briefly attempting to flee on foot when authorities located him. He is now facing additional charges related to the escape and the alleged kidnapping, officials said.
DeKalb County officials said they are reviewing security procedures at the jail and investigating how Charles and the other inmates were able to escape from the facility. Sheriff’s officials described the incident as a serious breach and said corrective measures are being taken.
Charles remains in custody under heightened security as legal proceedings related to the escape continue.
