MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — An arrested 32-year-old transient and drug suspect managed to wrangle a few hours of freedom early Thursday in Madeira Beach.
- Transient escaped custody Thursday morning
- Managed to elude authorities for about 7 hours
- Found half-a-mile away still handcuffed
All while still wearing his handcuffs.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Robert White III was first taken into custody after a trespassing call to authorities. Deputies responded to the Schooner Motel at 14500 Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach just after 2 a.m.
Deputies placed White into custody for trespass after warning and possession of crack cocaine.
But a short time later, during a prisoner transfer at 14995 Gulf Boulevard, White, who had repositioned his handcuffs to the front of his body, escaped custody and ran off towards the beach.
Additional authorities responded to the scene and began a search.
Almost seven hours later and about half a mile away, White was spotted by deputies - still handcuffed.
He was taken back into custody without incident in front a home at 14201 Bayshore Boulevard.
White was transported to the Pinellas County Jail with charges ranging from trespassing and escaping law enforcement to drug possession and burglary.
So what did White do during his few hours on the lam?
No one is saying just yet.
Authorities said Robert White was taken back into custody on Bayshore Boulevard in Madeira Beach, about a half a mile from where he made his escape on Gulf Boulevard. (Google Maps)