Columbus Police Department capture escaped inmate

Authorities reported Thursday evening that they are looking for Ricky Oneal Handy, 32.
Authorities reported Thursday evening that they are looking for Ricky Oneal Handy, 32.(Source: Russell County Jail)
Published: Jul. 4, 2024 at 6:20 PM EDT|Updated: Jul. 6, 2024 at 7:57 PM EDT

RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - According to Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor, police officials have found and arrested an inmate that escaped the Russell County Jail this past Thursday.

Authorities said Thursday evening they were looking for Ricky Oneal Handy, 32. He now faces a second-degree escape charge, along with first-degree theft of property.

Sheriff Taylor says Handy was found and arrested by CPD for a stolen vehicle and eluding on Saturday. Taylor also says Handy is still in custody in Columbus.

On July 4, a helicopter and police presence could be seen near 14th Street in Phenix City.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency told News Leader 9 they were in the area helping the Russell Co. Sheriff’s Office.

According to Sheriff Heath Taylor, Handy was a trustee who was on a work detail. He took the trash out at 9:50 Tuesday night and never returned. Sheriff Taylor says he wasn’t in for a hard crime but could be considered dangerous.

Anyone with information on Handy’s whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 334-298-6535.