An inmate gave law enforcement personnel the slip briefly last week before being apprehended and returned to custody.
Officials with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office reported May 9 that the search was on for Quasha Harris, 38, who escaped from custody while at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Facing charges for theft by shoplifting and failure to appear, she “experienced a medical emergency” after her arrest and was taken to the hospital. She requested to use the restroom and subsequently “manipulated her way out of custody,” the HCSO reported.

Deputies soon were searching the area for Harris, who was reported to be in a pink jogging suit.

“We’ve got units on the ground and in the air looking for Ms. Harris and while she doesn’t have a history of violence, we advise that you do not approach her if you see her,” said Sheriff Reginald Scandrett in a Facebook post immediately after the incident. “However, your tips in this matter are invaluable. To Ms. Harris, don’t make this situation any worse. We will find you. It’s in your best interest to turn yourself in immediately.”

A few hours later, a second social media post reported that Harris had been captured. She was found in Atlanta after an extensive search, officials said. The HCSO was assisted by the police departments from Stockbridge and Henry County.
“This is a situation that should not have happened,” said Scandrett. “Ms. Harris came into court to face charges and quickly became a fugitive of the law and is now at risk of facing some real time. I don’t know why people think they can get around the law and escape custody without being held accountable.”

Harris will now face a charge of escape and possibly more in addition to the charges for which she was initially arrested. Officials said her mother, Antionette Harris, is being detained as a person of interest and potentially facing charges related to obstruction.