Cops search for man, 32, who WALKED OUT of Arkansas courtroom just moments before he was convicted of attempted murder – and a day after he hitched a ride home with a juror
- Madreikus Blakes, 32, walked out front door of Crittenden County courthouse
- Blakes left while jurors were deliberating during his attempted murder trial
- Jury decided to convict Blakes on Wednesday for 2018 shooting
- Blakes on Tuesday hitched a ride home with one of the jurors, authorities say
- Judge eventually replaced the juror with an alternate
Madreiekus Blakes, 32, walked out the front door of the Crittenden County, Arkansas courthouse on Wednesday and did not return, according to West Memphis police
Authorities in Arkansas say that a man convicted of attempted murder fled court before his sentencing on the day after he got a ride home from one of the jurors.
As the jury was deciding his fate, Madreiekus Blakes, 32, walked out the front door of the Crittenden County courthouse on Wednesday and did not return, according to West Memphis police.
Blakes was able to move about freely because he was out on bond while his trial was taking place, WREG-TV reported.
Authorities say Blakes on Tuesday caught a ride home with a juror who served during his trial.
A bailiff told police that Blakes climbed into an orange Chevy Camaro on Tuesday.
The next day, the bailiff said that he noticed a juror arriving to the court on the same day.
The jury in the case convicted Blakes of attempted murder for shooting a man and his father at a convenience store last year. The photo above shows a courtroom in Crittenden County
The juror told police that he drove Blakes home, though he denies that they discussed his trial.
The judge overseeing the trial decided to replace the juror with an alternate before sentencing deliberations began on Wednesday.
A local reporter went to Blakes’ West Memphis listed address, only to discover that it was a vacant parking lot.
Even though Blakes was absent during sentencing, the jury nonetheless decided to convict him, recommending that he serve 40 years in prison.
Blakes was found guilty for allegedly shooting a man and his father at a convenience store last year.
If he’s captured, Blakes will face additional charges.