A man who slipped out of custody in downtown Trenton and allegedly made off with a bank SUV was back in handcuffs Friday after a brief, multi-county search. Law enforcement identified the suspect as William Stockton and cautioned residents not to approach him. Authorities said Stockton ran south from the courthouse square, took a silver Lincoln Navigator from Security Bank, and left Gibson County. Trenton police asked anyone with information to call their non-emergency line at 731-855-1413.
According to details shared in a Facebook post by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, Stockton escaped custody from the Gibson County Sheriff's Department, prompting a quick regional search. The post described him as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, about 5'10" and 150 pounds, and noted that he was later apprehended in Madison County. The task force also stressed that the public should not try to confront Stockton and should instead contact law enforcement with any tips.
How the escape unfolded
The task force's post said Stockton ran south from the courthouse and got out of the custody of Gibson County deputies. Local listings indicate that the county correctional complex is operated out of Trenton, and the Gibson County Sheriff's Office runs the jail and correctional complex in town. The Gibson County Sheriff's Office provides contact information and office hours for the department.
Where the vehicle came from
Law enforcement posts reported that the stolen vehicle was a silver Lincoln Navigator taken from a Security Bank branch on the courthouse square. Security Bank lists a Trenton branch on South College Street near the square, which lines up with the location mentioned in the advisory, according to BankBranchLocator.
What residents should do
Authorities repeatedly emphasized that the public should not approach the suspect. The City of Trenton's contact page lists the Trenton Police Department's non-emergency number as 731-855-1413 for tips or additional information. That number is available on the City of Trenton website.
Potential charges
If the allegations are confirmed, Stockton could face charges for escape and for theft of a motor vehicle under Tennessee law. Escape and theft are outlined in the state's criminal code, with penalties that vary depending on the circumstances and the value of the property involved. See Tennessee Code § 39-16-605 on escape, available via Justia, and Tennessee Code § 39-14-103 on theft of property, also available on Justia.
The task force's Facebook post served as the primary public update on Friday evening, and local agencies had not yet released a full press statement at the time of that post. The West Tennessee Drug Task Force issued the initial alert and later noted Stockton's apprehension in Madison County. Hoodline will seek additional official confirmation and update this report if more details become available.
