BARTOW, Fla. — An inmate was captured Wednesday after kidnapping a correctional officer while out on a work detail in Polk County, authorities said.
Investigators said the inmate, along with four others, was working at Mosaic Park in Bartow Wednesday when the inmate, David L. Ross, brandished a small utility knife and threatened the correctional officer.
After securing the other prisoners in a nearby park facility, Ross secured corrections Officer Jeffrey Rexrode with handcuffs, authorities said.
Bartow police Sgt. Eric Sherrouse said the guard wasn't armed and only had pepper spray on him.
Police said Ross stole a city of Bartow van, forced the corrections officer inside and drove to St. Petersburg.
Deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office spotted the van, and a short pursuit ensued before the inmate was taken into custody. Rexrode was not injured.
When officials arrived at the escape scene, the other four inmates were waiting, unguarded.
Ross is being held at the Pinellas County Jail, pending charges by the Bartow Police Department.
Ross was initially incarcerated on numerous charges, including battery on an officer and fraud.
Ross was set to be released from custody in February 2019 and was in minimal level custody at the Polk Work Camp.
Ross now faces charges that include armed kidnapping of a correctional officer, armed robbery and burglary of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault of a correctional officer and escape.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
