Sheriff says inmate had no help in escaping courtroom

HERNANDO, Miss. (WMC) - DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the case of escaped inmate Joshua Zimmerman.

Zimmerman, an accused murderer, was able to walk away from the courtroom last week.

Tuggle says Zimmerman did not have any help during his escape and that he does not have ties to DeSoto County.

He also says Zimmerman flagged down a Good Samaritan who gave him a ride to Memphis. Tuggle says the driver had no way of knowing Zimmerman had just escaped out of the courtroom.

Tuggle also called out people who have spoken out about the escape, saying they may be hindering the investigation.

Earlier this week, DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said his escape is proof something must be done at the courthouse.

During the escape, U.S. Marshals say Zimmerman was being held on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. He also has an active murder warrant in Harris County, Texas.

Zimmerman is listed at 5 feet 11 inches in height and approximately 210 pounds.

There is a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Zimmerman’s arrest.

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