A 33-year-old man in custody slipped away from Piedmont Hospital at 1350 Walton Way in Augusta around 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to authorities. Richmond County deputies identified the escapee as Justin Eric Craft Jr., last seen sprinting away shirtless in blue jeans near Tenth Street. Craft is described as about 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and he remained on the loose late into the evening.
Details From Authorities And Local Reports
According to The Georgia Sun, Craft walked out of the hospital while in custody on pending Richmond County charges. Deputies quickly launched a search, combing the surrounding blocks and canvassing streets near the medical center while trying to piece together his route. Officials have so far declined to release the specific charges as the manhunt continues.
Search Underway Across East Augusta
Local television coverage reported that deputies, backed by neighboring agencies, were sweeping the area around Piedmont Augusta and nearby residential streets, according to WRDW. Residents were urged to pull security and doorbell camera footage and to steer clear of anyone who fits Craft’s description. Investigators are asking the public to call in tips rather than confront the escapee themselves.
What We Know And What We Don't
Authorities have confirmed only that Craft was in custody on pending Richmond County charges and have not gone further, as noted by The Georgia Sun. Officials have not said whether he is believed to be armed or how exactly he got off hospital grounds, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is still working to answer those questions. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 706-821-1085.
