The Alabama sheriff’s office issued a tip-off on Friday night after a prisoner and assistant director of correctional facilities disappeared earlier in the day. Authorities said the detainee, who had been detained on death charges, should be considered “armed and extremely dangerous”.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told reporters Friday night that Vicki White, a 25-year veteran of the department, left the local detention center with Casey Cole White at 9:41 a.m. He said she had told other officers. that she would leave him in the mental health court and then seek medical help because she was not feeling well. Although they have the same last name, the two are not related.
Shortly after 11 a.m., someone found her patrol car in a mall parking lot. At 3:30 p.m., officers learned that no one had been able to contact her and that the prisoner had not been returned to custody.
Singleton said after speaking in court, officials confirmed that there was no planned mental health assessment. He also said her decision to take the prisoner alone to the courthouse was a “grave policy violation” as someone accused of the serious crime had to be accompanied by two deputies. Since Vicki was in charge of transporting the court, he said, probably none of her subordinates were comfortable challenging her for breaking the rules.
“She has been an employee for 25 years and I can tell you that every employee in this office is shocked that she is missing and that this has happened,” Singleton said. “We are just distrustful, she was an exemplary employee.
Although the circumstances may seem suspicious, Singleton said he would like convincing evidence before accusing Vicki White of any wrongdoing. He said White was named Officer of the Year several times and was liked and respected. He also said she was eligible for retirement and had been discussing leaving the department for months.
“Obviously, you see, we look at it from all angles,” he said. “Did she help him escape?” This is obviously an opportunity. So we look at this as a corner of the investigation. Was she abducted on her way to the courthouse? You know, it was taken against her will? I’m watching. ”
Singleton said Vicki was armed with a 9mm pistol before disappearing, leading investigators to suspect that Casey was already armed. He described Casey as “extremely dangerous” and urged residents not to approach him and call 911 instead.
“Right now, our hope and prayer is to take it before anyone is hurt,” he said.
Asked if he believed Vicki was in danger, Singleton said: “I think she is in danger, regardless of the circumstances.”
“He was in prison for murder and, you know, he has nothing to lose,” he added.
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Victoria Albert
Victoria Albert is a senior news editor at CBS News. Contact her at victoria.albert@viacomcbs.com
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