BENTON -- A convicted felon is now in custody after fleeing the Scott County Courthouse to evade arrest last week.
According to authorities, Gailon Applewhite, 20, of Sikeston, was arrested by the Charleston Police Department Tuesday after a high-speed pursuit and turned over to the Scott County Sheriff's Department.
Tom Beardslee, chief deputy for the Scott County Sheriff's Department, clarified that Applewhite was on probation when he appeared for a court hearing Jan. 25 and did not escape from custody.
"He walked into court under his own power, not in custody," Beardslee said.
During the hearing, the judge ordered Applewhite's arrest, according to Beardslee. Deputies placed handcuffs on one of Applewhite's wrists after which Applewhite's attorney said Applewhite had papers to sign.
Instead of signing the papers, however, Applewhite ran from the courthouse.
Beardslee said deputies in the immediate area were guarding prisoners who were in custody and were therefore were unable to immediately pursue Applewhite.
"This kid has run away from responsibility his whole life and he just ran away again," Beardslee said.
Deputies are currently investigating whether Applewhite received a ride back to Sikeston from a friend or relative after leaving the courthouse. Beardslee said if an individual did assist Applewhite in his flight, that person may soon face charges of interfering with an arrest.