Most recent photo of Crowden
FLORENCE – While the Lauderdale County Commission has been trying to resolve the Lauderdale County Detention Center escape problem since May, the contractors were late with their construction of the new security measures.
The County Commission made the arrangement for the increased security measures with the A1 Fence Company. The company will be installing both 10 foot and 12 foot fencing around the property, in addition they will be placing 24 inch razor-ribbon at the top of the fences as well as inside the ventilation system itself. This will cost the county $6500.00.
But between 8:30 and 9:30 Saturday morning, inmate Jerry Don Crowden escaped from the Lauderdale County Detention Center, just days before the increased security measures were to be installed.
Just as the other escapees have done, Crowden escaped by climbing to the roof and jumping over the fence. The Lauderdale County Investigators say Crowden was outside in the exercise yard when they noticed he had gone missing.
His jail issued uniform was found on the top of the building where reports say he was able to jump over the fence.
According to Lauderdale County officials, the new fencing and razor wire is to be installed on Wednesday.
Crowden is the 6th inmate since September to have escaped the Lauderdale County Detention Center, and this problem has been at the top of the County Commission’s resolution list.
Crowden is a registered sex offender, but was in jail for theft and burglary charges.
Anyone with information on Crowden is asked to call the Lauderdale County Detention Center or leave an anonymous tip on the Shoals Area Crime Stoppers tipline at 256-386-8685.
