The 911 call that ended with the capture of an inmate who escaped from a Polk County work crew was released Thursday.

  • David L. Ross escaped from work crew
  • Woman said in 911 call that four other inmates approached her
  • Inmates confirmed Ross' name to searchers
  • Read Wednesday's story

The call revealed that other inmates had a chance to escape with David L. Ross, but they assisted authorities instead.

It occurred just after noon Wednesday at Mosaic Park. Bartow Police said Ross, 42, obtained a knife, overpowered a guard and fled the scene in a city utility truck.

He was caught in St. Petersburg.

A woman on her lunch break at Mary Holland Park in Polk County called 911 to report what she saw.

"There was about four inmates that came running up to me," she said during the call. "They were on work detail. And they say one of the other inmates kidnapped the officer and they left in a truck."

Ross is accused of locking inmates in a bathroom stall and holding a knife to the throat of a detention deputy.

"These four inmates here are, like, freaking out." - 911 caller

The inmates had to break out of the park bathroom to get help.

"The inmates that are still standing here, there are four I believe and they said one took off with the officer and kidnapped the officer," said the voice on the 911 call. "These four inmates here are, like, freaking out."

The inmates could be heard in the background of the 911 call, trying to get information to police.

Authorities found Ross some 60 miles away at his girlfriend’s home in Pinellas County. He told deputies she was suicidal and that he wanted to check on her.

He remained behind bars Thursday, with a judge refusing to give him bond.

Ross told police during his interview, "I was stupid to do this," and he asked for a lawyer.

The detention deputy was not hurt. He was able to get out of the car at a gas station to get help.