Escaped Inmate Devonte Ross Found Hiding Under Deck

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- Police officers, deputies and dogs flooded a Cobb County neighborhood in search of an inmate who escaped Tuesday afteoon.

Devonte Ross slipped away from a work detail near the Cobb County Jail just after noon, wearing only jail-issued socks and pants.

Dozens of officers swarmed the area and spent hours trying to track him down.

Neighbors watched as police combed their back yards and barking dogs sniffed every inch of property.

”Well, we thought possibly a murder suspect or an escaped convict, resident Barbara McClendon told Channel 2’s Ross Cavitt.

Police said Ross had been convicted of burglary charges in the past but was arrested eight days ago for violating his probation.

Eventually officers found Ross hiding under the deck of a home, covered in mud. He had traveled 2.2 miles and crossed several major intersections. Police said he was likely headed for his home in Mableton.

”Relief, now we can all go in and enjoy the rest of our day, McClendon said when Cavitt told her about the arrest.

Police said Ross would likely face additional escape charges, which could add an extra five years to his sentence.