Inmate Still on the Run

Law enforcement is continuing their search for an escaped inmate, who fled from custody after his sentencing at the Toombs County Courthouse on Thursday.

At 2:41 p.m. on May 5, Robert Lee Presgraves, age 39, escaped the custody of a Toombs County Detention Center employee from the area of the Courthouse. Presgraves had been transported to the court by a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy earlier that day to face sentencing for previous charges regarding theft and weapons, and upon receiving his sentencing, was handcuffed and placed in a jail transport vehicle. While being transported to the Detention Center, Presgraves attacked and overpowered the jailer, which allowed him to escape the vehicle and flee on foot to the Enmarket convenience store, which is south of the courthouse. Upon reaching the store, Presgraves stole a Pineland Paper delivery continued from page

truck and began using it to complete his escape.

Eyewitnesses said Presgraves was seen driving south on Highway 178 near Johnson Corner Road shortly after his departure from the store. Approximately one hour later, the truck was found by authorities at the dead end of Mount Moriah Road in Toombs County, near the Tattnall County line. No sign of Presgraves’ immediate location was found.

A total of 35 law enforcement officers from a number of organizations began searching for the suspect at the location of the vehicle, which was found in a wooded, swampy, creek/river area; yet, Presgraves has yet to be located.

Based upon these events, Pregraves has received additional charges to his case, including Escape, Simple Battery, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

He is described as a white male, 5’11”, and 184 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dress pants with a light colored dress shirt and black tie. He has a history of mainly theft and drug-related charges. If seen, the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office instructs the public to avoid approaching Presgraves and to call 911 immediately.

The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all agencies that assisted and continue to assist in this incident, including: Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, Lyons Police Department, Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol Post 18 (Reidsville), Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit, Georgia Department of Corrections K-9 Unit, and the U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Division.