Coosada man charged with escaping police custody in Millbrook

Millbrook police have arrested a Coosada man they say escaped their custody and tried to run away while handcuffed.

Police say on Sunday, they conducted a traffic stop, putting 25-year-old Rico Knight under arrest for three outstanding misdemeanor warrants, two counts of reckless endangerment and attempting to elude law enforcement, as well possessing drug paraphernalia.

Police Chief P.K. Johnson said Knight was taken to the Millbrook Police Department for processing. While being escorted from the vehicle, Johnson said Knight was able to pull away from officers, running away from the police department and into a neighborhood.

Johnson said Knight was taken into custody in the 3300 block of Wade Street, which is several blocks from the police department, running through several yards, jumping several fences, all while handcuffed.

He said officers used a Taser on Knight, ending the chase.

Knight was taken to the Elmore County Jail, where he was placed in custody for charges of escape in the third degree, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property fourth degree. He is being held on a $21,000 bond.

“Unfortunately, as a result of his decision to flee police custody, this young man now faces a felony charge in addition to the existing charges that he had prior to this incident. So when he makes bond on these new charges, he will then be arrested on the outstanding warrants, for which he will be required to make bond on and be assigned a court date in municipal court,” Johnson said.