Sandusky man to face charge of fleeing court to avoid prison

6/29/2007

SANDUSKY - Upon learning his sentence would be 10 months in prison, Trevor Webb fled from a third-floor Erie County Common Pleas courtroom, hid in some bushes, and ran between houses before he was tackled by a civilian and shocked with a Taser by one of the eight county sheriff's deputies in pursuit, authorities said.

For his efforts, Webb gained about 14 extra minutes of freedom yesterday and an escape charge, which is to be filed today in Sandusky Municipal Court today, deputies said.

The Sandusky man, 34, was being held last night in the county jail.

Webb was not in custody yesterday when he entered the courtroom for sentencing on a probation violation. He fled upon hearing that he was ordered back into custody.

He was apprehended a few blocks east of the courthouse after Lt. John Werner saw Webb hiding in some bushes, then running between houses. A deputy yelled at him to stop. When Webb continued running, Lieutenant Werner recalled, the deputy called to a civilian, "Stop that guy!"

The civilian tackled Webb, who stands about 6 feet, 2 inches and weighs about 200 pounds. Deputies ordered Webb to roll on his stomach. When he tried to stand instead, Deputy Johann Matute shocked him with a Taser, the lieutenant said.