DEMOREST -- UPDATE 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4: Habersham County inmate Jody Smallwood remains at large and officers are still attempting to locate him.
Smallwood was at Habersham Medical Center receiving treatment requiring him to be removed from his handcuffs and ankle chains, at which time he fled from the hospital, according to Sheriff's Lt. Matt Wurtz.
In addition to the charges he faces from his arrest Dec. 26, Smallwood will be charged with escape and possibly other charges when captured, Wurtz said.
"It is our understanding that Smallwood had been charged with escape in Tennessee but we are unable to confirm that at this time," according to an update from Wurtz.
Tuesday night's search, which started shortly before 9 p.m., included personnel from the Habersham County Sheriff's Office, Demorest Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and Lee Arrendale State Prison K9 Unit.
UPDATE 12:30 a.m. Jan. 4: The inmate who fled from the hospital has been identified as Jody Smallwood, 45, of Maynard, Tenn. He is described as a white male, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.
Smallwood was arrested Dec. 26 for possession of methamphetamine and second-degree burglary, both felonies, as well as two counts of obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers; giving false name, address or date of birth to law enforcement officer; and driving while license suspended or revoked.
Original post: Law enforcement personnel are scouring the area around Habersham Medical Center after an inmate fled the hospital Tuesday night.
"We are currently looking for a male inmate that fled from the Habersham hospital," said Habersham County Sheriff's Lt. Matt Wurtz. "Subject is not known to be armed. He is in a detention center uniform and has on waist chains with one hand cuffed. We do currently suspect him to be in the area of the hospital."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/1/486282/habersham-searching-for-escaped-inmate