Crime
Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Searching for Escaped Inmate Justin Scott Woodruff Who Walked Away from Work Detail
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an escaped inmate who walked away from a work detail on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m., when 39-year-old Justin Scott Woodruff — an inmate worker — left his assigned work area and failed to return.
Woodruff is described as a white male with multiple tattoos, including a large tattoo on his neck reading “Joker.” He was in custody for Violation of Probation at the time of his escape.
Sheriff Dix stated that investigators believe Woodruff was picked up by another individual shortly after leaving the work site. “At this time we are still gathering information, but we believe that he was picked up by another party after he left,” the sheriff said.
He went on to note the rarity of such incidents in the county: “This is the first time in over 15 years that this has happened to us. When he is caught, it will be a memorable experience for him, whoever picked him up, and whoever he is with. I hope his time on the run will be worth it for him and them.”
Authorities are urging anyone who sees Justin Scott Woodruff or has information regarding his whereabouts to call 911 immediately.
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and is coordinating with surrounding law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the escapee.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.