BACONTON, GA (WALB) – A Georgia State Patrol helicopter hovered close to the ground searching the woods surrounding a mobile home park off US 19.
A trooper used a heat seeking sensor to try to locate escaped convict 24-year-old David Gilbert.
The Mitchell County inmate escaped from work detail Tuesday morning.
"We call it the bully jump. They cut bushes beside the county roads and this detail was cutting some bushes up here on Bradley Lane," said Mitchell County Sheriff W.E. Bozeman.
Gilbert, who was serving time on probation revocation, managed to sneak off and run for Shady Grove Mobile Home Park.
Just 200 yards away, it's a place he once called home.
"The guards called it in by the time he left and we had deputies here within a few minutes. We checked that trailer and it was locked when they got here. We checked under it and everywhere," said Bozeman.
Bloodhounds were brought in and picked up 3 scents which they eventually lost.
Mitchell County deputies along with state troopers and officers from the Department of Corrections assisted in the ground search, but as time went by it became clear that Gilbert may have had some help.
"I think somebody might have picked him or he just got out of this area here," said Bozeman.
Sheriff Bozeman believes someone knows where Gilbert is right now. And as the search broadens, they're not giving up until they get him back.
Gilbert in 5'9 and 170 pounds. He was wearing a white with blue striped prison jumpsuit.
He has ties to the Albany and Moultrie areas.
The sheriff says Gilbert was looking at serving 12 months in jail, but now will likely get more time.
If you know where he is call Mitchell County Sheriff's Office at 336-2033 or 911.
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