Key Takeaways:
- Three men, Stevenson Charles, Yusuf Minor, and Naod Yohannes, escaped from a Georgia jail and hijacked a Lyft rideshare to flee to south Florida.
- The men, who are accused of violent crimes including murder, used a fake female name to order the Lyft ride and attacked the driver, threatening to rape and kill her.
- The trio used the driver’s credit cards and bank information to rent a property in Florida and were eventually tracked down and arrested using license plate readers.
- The men’s escape was discovered during a standard security check, and an investigation revealed that they had been in touch with people outside to help them avoid arrest.
- The three men are facing serious charges, including murder and armed robbery, and are being held in custody.
Introduction to the Incident
The recent escape of three men from a Georgia jail has raised concerns about the security of correctional facilities and the brazen attempts of inmates to flee. Stevenson Charles, 24, Yusuf Minor, 31, and Naod Yohannes, 25, managed to escape from the DeKalb county jail, located 15 miles outside Atlanta, and were on the run for three days before being recaptured in Florida. The men, who are accused of violent crimes including murder, used a hijacked Lyft rideshare as part of their attempt to flee to south Florida.
The Escape and Hijacking
According to newly released federal court documents, the men ordered a Lyft ride using a fake female name, with Minor’s girlfriend allegedly helping them to make the arrangement. When the driver attempted to drop the men off at their location, they attacked her, wrapping a rope around her neck and dragging her to the backseat. The driver later told police that the men threatened to rape and kill her during the 10-hour trip to Florida. The men then used the driver’s credit cards and bank information to rent a property in Miramar, Florida, a suburb of Miami, and also used the driver’s car while in the area.
Investigation and Capture
The trio’s escape was discovered on Sunday during a standard security check, and an investigation was launched to track down the men. Phone records searched by police revealed that one of the men had been in touch with people outside to help them avoid arrest after their escape. The men were eventually tracked down using license plate readers, which allow law enforcement to search for wanted vehicles. All three men were arrested, and the driver was rescued from the rental property and examined for injuries. The men’s use of the driver’s credit cards and bank information, as well as their hijacking of the Lyft ride, were key factors in their capture.
Security Concerns and Aftermath
The escape of the three men has raised concerns about the security of the DeKalb county jail, with officials acknowledging that the men managed to escape through an older part of the facility. Temetris Atkins, chief deputy of DeKalb county, stated that the area that was compromised has been repaired, and other areas of the jail are being fortified to prevent similar incidents. The incident highlights the need for correctional facilities to ensure that their security measures are up to date and effective in preventing escapes.
Charges and Sentencing
The three men are facing serious charges, including murder and armed robbery. Minor and Yohannes are both serving life sentences for murder charges, while Charles is being detained on murder and armed robbery charges. The men’s brazen attempt to escape and flee to Florida has resulted in additional charges, including hijacking and kidnapping. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by violent offenders and the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant in preventing and responding to escape attempts.
Conclusion
The escape of Stevenson Charles, Yusuf Minor, and Naod Yohannes from a Georgia jail and their subsequent hijacking of a Lyft rideshare is a disturbing incident that highlights the need for correctional facilities to prioritize security and for law enforcement to remain vigilant in preventing and responding to escape attempts. The men’s brazen attempt to flee to south Florida and their use of violence and intimidation to achieve their goals are a reminder of the dangers posed by violent offenders. The incident serves as a wake-up call for correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to review and improve their security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
