Escaped inmate back in custody

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - Update Thursday, February 28, 2013:
Authorities say, an inmate who escaped from a work release program in Daphne is back in custody.  Authorities say, James Christopher Davidson was arrested in Florida. They say, the personal vehicle he stole has also been recovered.  No word on when he will be extradited to Daphne to face charges.

Thirty-year-old James Christopher Davidson escaped on Feb. 27, and has been missing since, according to police.  Now they’re hoping the public can help bring him in.

Davidson was on work-release at the Daphne animal shelter when he escaped this morning.  He was serving a 90-day sentence for traffic violations and was working off his fines through the program.

“He actually stole a key to a personal vehicle that was down there,” explained Cpl. Jason Vanoy with Daphne Police. “It’s a 2007 Honda CRV.  He drove off in the vehicle and we’re currently looking for him.”

The Honda CRV has an Alabama tag 5A72J16.  Davidson was a 'trusty' at the jail. Trusties are non-violent offenders and typically do maintenance and custodial work at city facilities.  Davidson had only been working at the animal shelter as a trusty for about a week.

Police say just because Davidson was a non-violent offender that’s no reason to take these actions lightly.

“Anybody that’s willing to do that — I mean, he’s immediately upgraded.  His charges are now two felony charges: escape and felony theft and all that. So you should definitely be concerned of somebody who obviously doesn’t have any fear of anything,” Vanoy said.

Jail trusties are transported to and from their places of work each day, and police say this is the first time in many years that they’ve had a trusty escape.

If you see Davidson or the stolen vehicle, you’re asked to call Daphne Police.