Escapee Captured in Augusta After Hospital Flight; Woman Charged With Harboring Suspect

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A man who escaped custody while receiving medical treatment was captured less than 24 hours later in Augusta, and a woman found with him has also been arrested, authorities said.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Gang Task Force, working with the United States Marshals Service, apprehended 33-year-old Justin Craft Jr. on Wednesday, April 8, at approximately 2:38 p.m. on Drayton Drive. The arrest was carried out with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

According to authorities, Craft escaped around 8 p.m. on April 7 while being treated at Piedmont Hospital. He had been arrested the previous day on a robbery charge but was taken to the hospital for evaluation after telling deputies he may have ingested an unknown quantity and type of narcotics. Officials said Craft fled from a hospital room after being uncuffed for medical testing.

Law enforcement agencies launched a coordinated search involving multiple resources before locating him the following afternoon.

At the time of his arrest in the 2600 block of Drayton Drive, Craft was found inside a vehicle with 34-year-old Augusta resident Latoya Vonishay Lovett. Following the investigation, Lovett was arrested and charged with harboring or concealing a fugitive.

Authorities thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and assisting agencies for their role in locating and safely apprehending the suspect.