Newly released video in Oregon shows a defendant escaping from courthouse seconds after sheriff’s deputies remove his shackles.
The defendant Edi Villalobos Jr. was appearing in court in the Portland suburb of Hillsboro on Feb. 27 for jury selection after he allegedly stabbed two men, and killed one, two years ago, KGW-TV reported.
Security camera footage released by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday shows the 28-year-old entering the courtroom guarded by two officers. Villalobos is wearing a blue dress shirt and dark slacks.
One officer removes removes Villalobos’ hand and leg cuffs, in line with legal requirements for the court session. Then Villalobos scoots behind two desk chairs and runs out the courtroom door. No one is blocking the path to the door.
The footage then shows Villalobos racing down multiple hallways and through two doors as the two officers chase him and passersby get out of their way. Officers found Villalobos hours later hiding in a closet in a vacant apartment.
His trial has been rescheduled for September. He faces additional charges of first-degree burglary and second-degree escape. His court-appointed attorney didn’t immediately return a voicemail message Friday seeking comment.
Sgt. Danny DiPietro, a spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, said his agency is reviewing the incident and will use training to address the lessons learned. The two deputies who were guarding Villalobos remain on regular duty.
