A video released this week in Oregon, in the United States, shows how Edi Villalobos Jr., a man accused of stabbing two men and murdering one two years ago, escapes from the courtroom just after one of the guards freed him from the handcuffs to attend the process.
The event took place at the Portland courthouse in Hillsboro on February 27. The security cameras picked up the moment before the astonished gaze of those present in the room.
The images show how a policeman removes the handcuffs from the 28-year-old prisoner. Then, he dodges two chairs and runs out of the building, without anyone being able to stop him from escaping. Several hours later, he was found inside a closet in an empty apartment and was taken into custody.
The trial has been rescheduled for September and the court has added new charges after the incident. Edi Villalobos Jr. faces additional charges of first degree robbery and second degree escape, according to the New York Post. Meanwhile, he has entered the county jail.
Asked about what happened, Sgt. Danny DiPietro, a spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, said his agency is reviewing the incident and will use the experience to improve police preparedness and learn lessons. The two agents who were guarding Villalobos are still on duty, according to his superior.
