Escaped inmate given a sweater by a stranger before being caught

A Fairfield man who had a short taste of freedom Wednesday after escaping from the Butler County Historic Court House is now facing an escape charge.

David Z. Combs, 41, of 4987 Potomac Dr., was taken to a hearing on a theft charge in Area II Court located in the High Street building. Combs did not follow fellow inmates and ducked out a side door, which was alarmed but that alarm malfunctioned, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

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He was dressed in a bright green jail jumpsuit, shackled and handcuffed, and someone thought he appeared to be cold and gave him a sweater, according to deputies.

“He made it about a block and a half before someone called and snitched on him. I like snitches,” said Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones.

Combs, who was facing a misdemeanor after a November arrest, is now charged with felony escape.

Jones said Combs was taken into custody 10 minutes after leaving the courthouse by Hamilton police.

“Maybe if he had more friends or a better plan he could have gotten a bit further,” Jones said. “We get about two or three a year that flee or walk away, but our track record on catching them is pretty impeccable.”

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