At approximately 8:45 am this morning, Jefferey Stafford who was being held in the Hillsborough County Jail on a Polk County warrant for reckless driving, escaped from the Orient Road Jail, police said.
Stafford was recaptured a short time later after he was spotted walking near the Hess Gas Station at N. 50th Street and E. Adamo Drive in Tampa. Stafford was brought back to the Orient Road Road where he now faces an escape charge.
Preliminary details of what occurred are as follows:
Stafford was been readied for transfer to Polk County Jail on a reckless driving warrant when he entered into a vestibule with another individual who was being legitimately released. Stafford exited the vestibule with the other individual and fled the jail through the lobby.
An internal investigation has been initiated to determine exactly how this incident occurred and what policies and procedures may have been violated.
The investigation continues.
