Security cameras captured inmate leaving through emergency room stairwell
An observant security guard at Habersham Medical Center is being credited with alerting authorities to an inmate’s escape from the emergency room Tuesday night. Emergency Department director Beth Hester says the guard saw the escape on a security monitor and notified authorities.
That launched an intense overnight manhunt in Demorest for 45-year old Jody Montgomery Smallwood. The Maynard, Tennessee man was in jail in Habersham on numerous charges including 2nd degree burglary and possession of methamphetamine. Authorities say he walked away from the hospital between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Tuesday while being treated for minor injuries he sustained in a fall at the jail.
In an emailed statement to Now Habersham Hester says, “Habersham Medical Center does have 24/7 on-site security and video surveillance and the security guard on duty aided in the search for the inmate and worked in coordination with the Habersham Sheriff’s department to secure the hospital grounds to protect our patients, employees and long-term care residents.”
Habersham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Matthew Wurtz says the Sheriff’s Office is investigating to determine how Smallwood managed to slip away. “There were officers present but while he was being treated they were letting him be treated with his doctors and nurses and he left.”
Hester says there are protocols in place at the hospital to prevent this type of thing from happening. “The protocol states inmates are to be under the direct supervision of a police officer, deputy or correctional officer at all times while they are being treated at the hospital,” she says.
“I think that the procedures that we have in place, if followed properly, are exactly where they need to be,” says Wurtz. “If we do find an error or some need for different training we’ll absolutely take that into consideration and do what we need to do to change that.”
Authorities have now expanded their search for Smallwood beyond Demorest and are searching “everywhere,” according to Wurtz. “We’re not concentrating anywhere. We’re checking all the places known to have any relationship to him – his family, his friends…”
A nationwide lookout has also been issued through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and authorities are asking for the public’s help to find him.
“Of course any assistance they can give us in locating Mr. Smallwood is greatly appreciated,” says Wurtz. “The quicker we can get him back in custody, the quicker he can face his charges and the quicker we can figure out what we need to do (to prevent this type of incident) and take steps from there.”
If you see Smallwood or know where he is authorities ask you to please call 911.
