By Ashley Remkus
Alabama Media Group
FLORENCE, Ala. — A man accused of trying to kill a Florence police detective escaped from the Lauderdale County Detention Center late Saturday.
Christopher Wayne Kilpatrick, a 43-year-old white male, should be considered “armed and dangerous,” said Florence police Sgt. Brad Holmes.
Kilpatrick is described as 6 feet and about 160 pounds. He last was seen heading south on Seminary Street in Florence.
Kilpatrick, who was being held without bail, escaped from the jail around 9:22 p.m., Holmes said.
In December 2016, Kilpatrick was indicted for attempted murder of a Florence cop. The indictment stemmed from an August incident, in which Kilpatrick pointed his gun at Detective Michael Price.
Price wasn’t injured, but Kilpatrick was taken to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. An internal review found Price acted appropriately in the situation.
At the time of that incident, Kilpatrick allegedly had escaped from work release and stolen a truck from Jacksonburg Church of Christ a day earlier. When a Florence officer spotted the truck in the nearby Dollar General parking lot off Chisholm Road, he called for backup and Price responded.
As Price arrived, Kilpatrick, who was driving the truck, ran into a wooded area behind the store. Two male passengers stayed with the truck and were taken into custody without incident.
Price ran after Kilpatrick and the two began struggling, at which time the detective shot Kilpatrick in the abdomen, police said. A gun, reportedly stolen from another vehicle, was found on the ground near Kilpatrick.
When Kilpatrick escaped Saturday, he was awaiting trial on the attempted murder charge. A grand jury issued an indictment when it determined there was enough evidence to send the case to trial.
Anyone who sees Kilpatrick should notify local law enforcement immediately.
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©2017 Alabama Media Group, Birmingham
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