A Tomoka Correctional Institution inmate, mowing grass in DeBary as part of a work squad on Wednesday, and who tried to escape from his supervisor on a riding mower, is in the Volusia County Jail in Daytona Beach.
Deputies said Richard Williams, 43, was mowing grass in DeBary with other inmates, when he puttered away as his corrections officer’s back was turned. Moments later, the officer noticed that Williams was gone and he quickly notified the Volusia County sheriff’s Office.
Upon being notified around 9:16 am on Wednesday that Williams and a riding law mower had disappeared from the work site near the intersection of East Highbanks Road and North Charles R Beall Boulevard, deputies set up a perimeter and a short time later Williams was spotted still riding the mower about half a mile south of the work site. Williams was secured without further incident and charged with escape.
Williams claimed that he thought the corrections officer was going to follow him in a truck to the next work area. When he realized that the truck was not behind him, he had turned around to head back. However, there were inconsistencies in his statement, and his prisoner identification card was discovered on the ground back at the original work site.
Williams was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach.
oh my gosh. That’s a little scary and a little funny!!