VIDEO: Drug suspect escapes courthouse during sentencing
HIGHLAND COUNTY, Ohio (WKRC) - A manhunt is underway for a Hillsboro man who escaped a courtroom Tuesday.
Nickolaus Garrison, 34, was sentenced to six months in jail for a meth possession charge. Video from inside the Highland County Courthouse house shows Garrison getting taken into custody, then bolting outside the room.
Sheriff Donnie Barrera said he broke free from the deputies.
“He ran to a hallway, which leads to a stairwell that goes down to outside of the courtroom,” said Barrera.
Barrera said Deputy Ben Reno chased after Garrison into the courthouse hallway. The video shows him dramatically dive over a railing.
“The deputy, unfortunately, went down the stairs headfirst in an attempt to try and catch him,” said Barrera.
Garrison made it out of the courthouse and took off, but Reno didn’t. He was taken to the hospital with broken ribs and a minor concussion.
“I went out to the hospital and visited him when he was getting treated at Highland District Hospital. He was in good spirits at that time,” said Barrera.
Reno is back home recovering. The sheriff said he went above and beyond during a tense situation.
“It’s a sad thing for Ben and his family. He has kids, but we are fortunate that he is still able to move around,” he said.
Garrison is still on the run. The Highland County Sheriff’s Office is checking into any lead they get from the public.
“At the time of the incident, he did have blue hair. Information we received now is that he has shaved his head,” said Barrera.
Garrison has past drug charges in Clinton County.
Call the Highland County Sheriff’s Office with tips on Garrison’s location.
