From The Tribune staff reports
ARIZONA — An escaped Jefferson County inmate that stole a UAB ambulance was found in Arizona on Tuesday, June 29, at approximately 2:45 p.m.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators with the US Marshal’s service located the escaped inmate, 45-year-old Phillip Shane Bradford. Bradford was in the company of his girlfriend, Khara Dubose.
Both Bradford and Dubose were taken into custody and will be booked into the Maricopa County Jail in Arizona. Dubose is being held on current drug charges here in Alabama; however, Jefferson County Sheriff’s detectives will be seeking additional charges against her for assisting Bradford.
The US Marshal’s Gulf Coast Regional Task Force developed information that Bradford was in the Phoenix area and set up surveillance on the suspected location.
“Bradford and Dubose were seen walking down the street with another couple, who is thought to have been unaware of Bradford’s escape,” Lieutenant Joni Money said. “Bradford and Dubose were arrested with no injuries. The two will go before a judge for an extradition hearing. Should they waive extradition, they will be transported back to Jefferson County to face charges.”
Related Story: UPDATE: JeffCo Sheriff’s investigate circumstances surrounding inmate’s escape
A deputy was in the process of transporting Bradford from UAB Hospital back to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham when he was able to escape the deputy, gain control of an unoccupied ambulance, and flee the area on Wednesday, June 22, shortly after 4:00 p.m.
“In an effort to get information regarding the identification of the inmate to the public in a timely manner, it was initially thought that the inmate had “overpowered” the deputy during the transport,” Money said. “We have been focusing on locating this subject and bringing him back into custody; however, we are also investigating how this inmate was able to escape.”
This is still an active investigation; however, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has concerns about whether the deputy properly handled the inmate during transportation.
“We have received a video that appears to show activity that is not consistent with the training provided to our personnel,” Money said. “An in-depth investigation into all aspects of this escape is being conducted, and appropriate action will be taken upon the conclusion.”
Multiple agencies participated in the search and helped to bring Bradford into custody. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the US Marshal’s Service, The Gulf Coast Regional Federal Task Force, North Alabama US Marshal’s Service, Arizona US Marshal’s Service, Texas US Marshal’s Service, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Cullman Police Department.