MILWAUKEE — An escaped House of Corrections inmate was captured at around 5:06 p.m. Wednesday on South 14th Street during a routine traffic stop, according to police.
House of Correction said 23-year-old Martin Williams escaped from an officer who was taking him to a doctor’s appointment at Aurora St. Lukes Medical Center.
Police said Williams was in a van when he got out and ran from the police. After a brief foot chase, he was caught. Reports indicate he had a weapon in his possession.
The officer was attempting to let the inmate out of the van when the inmate overpowered the officer and escaped. Police said as the guard took the inmate out of the van, the inmate told the guard, “I’ve got to go” and then proceeded to overpower the guard and ran away from the hospital.
The officer was not injured, said Jeff Mayer, the House of Correction assistant superintendent.
Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Dept. has now taken the lead on the search and Milwaukee police are helping as needed.
Police have set up a perimeter to find Williams, who is accused of armed robbery, and is awaiting trial. Police said he was wearing an orange jumpsuit and waistchain when he fled. Police also said he was able to free himself from his leg irons and may be wearing a gray or white t-shirt.
The inmate was wearing waist restraints which connects to a handcuff on each wrist, Mayer said.
Police said the man fled from the correction officer shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday. He fled in the area of 2900 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway.
Police said they are searching the area and are dispatching a K-9 unit to the area.
Williams’ next court date is scheduled for Oct. 1 with a jury trial.
A press conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the House of Correction.