A dramatic manhunt concluded in Broward County with the capture of Stevenson Charles, a federal inmate serving a life sentence, who had escaped from the DeKalb County Jail in Georgia; Charles was in state custody for trial on a 2022 murder charge when he and two other inmates fled the penitentiary, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The trio, after their bold escape, resorted to kidnapping a driver from a rideshare service employing a rope and threats to life to control their unwilling chauffeur, commanding the petrified victim to transport them to South Florida, law enforcement tracked Charles down after he led them on a vehicle chase that turned into a foot race before his capture with a firearm being found in his wake; Minor and Yohannes were also detained shortly after.
"This was a dangerous, violent felon serving a life sentence who escaped custody, kidnapped an innocent victim, crossed state lines, and brought that threat into our community," stated U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones, stressing the severity of Charles' crimes and the urgency with which various agencies moved to intercept him and his accomplices, as further detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
After their arrests, a federal court in Fort Lauderdale hosted Charles and Yohannes for their initial appearances on kidnapping charges on Tuesday with Minor’s appearance slated for December 29, the federal team spearheading the investigation includes USMS Miami, FBI Miami, and the ATF Miami Field Office, their efforts were bolstered by the cooperation of the Broward Sheriff's Office, Miramar Police Department, and City of Miami Police Department all underscored by the commitment to justice by law enforcement partners across jurisdictional lines.
Deputy Chief Elena Smukler-Dominguez played a pivotal role in the apprehension with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Maultasch leading the prosecution of the case, demonstrating the collaborative resolve to ensure these fugitives face full accountability for their actions, as described by official statements from the involved parties.
