Inmate who escaped from Fulton County jail captured after hours-long search

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FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — An inmate escaped from the Fulton County Jail, prompting a hours-long search in the downtown Atlanta area.

Just before 7:30 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect, identified as Demetrius Burkes, was back in custody.

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Channel 2’s Steve Gehlbach followed developments in the search for Burkes throughout Channel 2 Action News This Morning from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Gehlbach spotted several patrol vehicles stationed outside the jail entrance. He also saw Atlanta police vehicles in the area and at the Greyhound Station not far from the jail.

MARTA police confirmed they had officers canvassing stations near the jail after they were asked by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the search for Burkes, who escaped around 5 a.m.

Burkes was booked into the Fulton County Jail earlier this week for felony theft by taking charge.

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