Charles Carpenter : Franklin County Inmate Escapes Fence Hole, Caught

Franklin County, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A dramatic escape unfolded at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center when inmate Charles Carpenter managed to flee through a hole in the fence. The escape, which occurred around 7 p.m. Eastern Time, led to a multi-agency manhunt before Carpenter was eventually apprehended.

Known for his violent criminal history, Carpenter allegedly used his hands to dismantle a section of the aging fence surrounding the recreational yard. Sheriff A.J. Smith revealed that Carpenter then made his way to a nearby vehicle with keys left inside, along with firearms. A pursuit ensued as law enforcement agencies chased Carpenter into Gulf County, where he attempted to evade capture by navigating through dirt roads and wooded areas.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident, and Carpenter was back in custody within an hour and 15 minutes of his escape. Sheriff Smith indicated that a distracted guard may have inadvertently aided Carpenter’s escape by engaging in conversation with other inmates, potentially allowing for a brief window of opportunity.

Following the incident, Sheriff Smith announced plans to enhance security measures at the detention center, including the construction of a second fence equipped with barbed wire. This initiative aims to prevent future escape attempts and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.

The response to Carpenter’s escape involved a collaborative effort from various law enforcement agencies, including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Joe Police Department, Apalachicola Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and FWC. Their swift action and coordination were instrumental in swiftly locating and apprehending Carpenter.