Authorities in Arkansas are looking for a convicted felon who left the Crittenden County courthouse by getting a ride home with a juror. 32-year-old Madriekus Blakes was on trial for attempted murder and walked out of the courthouse through the front door during a recess in the proceedings. Blakes was able to move freely through the courthouse because he was out on bond and not in custody at the time.
A bailiff saw Blakes getting into an orange Camaro and leaving the courthouse. The next morning, the bailiff noticed the driver of the Camaro was one of the jurors in Blakes' case. The juror was questioned and admitted to driving Blakes home. He told authorities that they did not discuss the case during the ride.
An alternate replaced the juror and they delivered a guilty verdict in Blakes' case, which stemmed from a 2018 incident in which he opened fire at a man and his father at a convenience store. The jury recommended that he receive a sentence of 40 years in jail.
Blakes will face additional charges when he is captured. Authorities are asking the public for any information that may help locate Blakes.