Suicidal Prisoner Escapes Custody Using Uber App

One inmate in Georgia used a simple, but unusual, idea to help escape from police custody: getting a ride to pick him up using the Uber app. Local authorities are trying to piece together how he managed to enact the plan, all while trying to find the man. According to reports, the man had previously fled a hospital after trying to take his own life, prior to his arrest.

The Inmate Previously Fled From A Hospital In The Early Morning Hours

Timothy Shane was reportedly admitted to a hospital in Atlanta this past Sunday. According to authorities, he was set to receive medical treatment following a suicide attempt.

The 52-year-old Shane reportedly fled the hospital during the early morning hours the following day on foot. He then stole a parked SUV. Share then crashed the vehicle and took a Glock handgun from the car, before taking off again on foot.

police lights wikimedia commons — Police lights – Wikimedia Commons

According to The U.S. Sun, authorities claimed that Shane was able to request an Uber to pick him up from a residence. Police were able to track down the address, but he had disappeared by the time they arrived.

It is believed that Shane also stole a Pontiac Grand Prix, which he found at a nearby supermarket. It is unknown if he stole another vehicle or remains in the area.

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office claimed Shane could still be wearing a red hoodie and dark blue pants. Sheriff Eric J Levett shared, “Inmate Shane has a history of fleeing along with felony drug and weapon charges. He should be considered armed and dangerous.” Shane was also described as 5-foot 9, with a buzzed haircut.

Shane Was Later Found At An Abandoned Residence After A Three-Day Manhunt

According to reports, Shane was later captured early Wednesday norming after a three-day manhunt. At around 1 AM local time on Wednesday, a homeowner reported that an escaped inmate was banging on her door, with Ring camera footage capturing the moment. At this time, police have not confirmed if Shane was the figure caught in the footage.

Another homeowner made a similar report a short time later. Shane was later found within an abandoned residence.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Shane was previously arrested in November after a high-speed chase. An alleged kidnapping victim claimed Shane had taken her from her home. He was later booked into the Rockdale County Jail, facing multiple charges, including felony fleeing and reckless driving. At the time, a separate kidnapping case was also said to be connected to the incident.

The Incident Brought Out Comparisons To An Incident In New Orleans, Which Saw Ten Inmates Escape A Prison Cell

Police are currently looking into how Shane was able to get access to the app. This, and other similar cases, have authorities concerned with inmates getting access to tools that can help them escape.

The outlet shared compared the incident to one in New Orleans, where ten inmates were able to escape jail through a hole in their cell.

This case, which took place in May 2025, saw prisoners escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. At the time, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson shared it seemed “impossible without help,” with some suspecting correctional officers could have helped with the breakout. Attorney General Liz Murrill also shared, “This is beyond unacceptable.”

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