Georgia inmate who escaped police patrol car after spraying officer captured in Savannah
An inmate who sparked an overnight manhunt after escaping from a Chatham County police patrol car has been taken back into custody, authorities said.
Robert Wayne Bookter, 39, was arrested shortly after noon Tuesday after a Chatham County Sheriff's Office deputy spotted him walking near the 100 block of Southern Boulevard, about a quarter-mile from where he escaped the night before, according to the Chatham County Police Department.
Bookter was taken into custody and will be transported to the Chatham County Detention Center, police said. He now faces additional charges of obstruction and battery of a law enforcement officer related to the escape. The police department thanked the Chatham County Sheriff's Office for assisting in the arrest.
The search began Monday night after Bookter escaped from a patrol car while being transported to jail. Police said the incident happened around 7:15 p.m. near Chatham Parkway and Police Memorial Drive.
According to investigators, Bookter was initially stopped on Dec. 29 for driving a vehicle pulling a trailer without a tag or taillights. Officers later learned he had multiple outstanding warrants, including aggravated assault charges from the Liberty County and Chatham County sheriff's offices, and he was taken into custody.
While being transported to the detention center, police said Bookter sprayed a chemical irritant believed to be similar to pepper spray inside the patrol car. The substance caused the officer to cough uncontrollably and experience severe watering of the eyes and nose.
Police said the officer stopped the vehicle and put it in park, which automatically unlocked the doors. Even though Bookter was handcuffed behind his back, investigators said he was able to open the rear door and run away. Because of the effects of the chemical spray, the officer was unable to chase him but immediately called for help.
The officer was later taken to a local hospital for treatment and released a short time afterward.
A large-scale search followed, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, K-9 units, drones and a helicopter. Authorities searched the area for several hours, contacted Bookter's family members and searched one residence.
Investigators said Bookter is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs approximately 175 pounds, and has green eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a one-piece camouflage coverall with handcuffs secured behind his back. Authorities did not disclose what he was wearing when he was captured.
Police said a review of the escape is underway. Initial findings show the officer allowed Bookter to put on the camouflage suit because of cold weather. While the suit was searched, investigators said the clothing underneath was not. Authorities also found the patrol car's child-safety locks were not activated, allowing the rear door to be opened from the inside.
The Chatham County Police Department is leading the investigation.