Mississippi law enforcement officers aided in a multi-state manhunt that led to the capture of an escaped inmate on Monday night.
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that around 10 p.m., Christopher Austin Tedford was taken into custody across state lines in Alabama. Tedford had escaped while in custody for burglary charges in Lowndes County and felony shoplifting charges in Amory.
An anonymous tip through the Crime Stoppers network led officers with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Lamar County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, and Sulligent (AL) Police Department to a home on McCrary Road in Sulligent.
Officers found Tedford hiding under a bed inside the residence and took him into custody after he initially resisted arrest. The expedition process has already begun, according to law enforcement.
“This serves as an excellent example of the importance of partnerships in law enforcement,” Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. “By collaborating with tipsters through Crime Stoppers and our counterparts, we successfully removed a dangerous criminal from the streets. Now, we look forward to our justice system holding him accountable.”
While Tedford now faces additional charges of escape and resisting arrest, three others were also taken into custody for helping harbor the inmate.
The homeowner, Ben Allen, along with Rebecca Pierce and Monte Grubowski are facing charges of hindering prosecution.
Anyone with relevant information on the case are asked to contact law enforcement.
