Thursday, July 10th, 2008
Law enforcement search for escapee
By Margie Wuebker
Law enforcement agencies are on the lookout for an escapee who abducted his attorney at knifepoint and stole the man's SUV Tuesday morning in Anderson, Ind.
Richard Lee Hudson, 52, at large as of this morning, could be coming to the Celina area, according to information received by the Celina Police Department. Chief Dave Slusser indicated the man may have relatives in the area.
Hudson had been released temporarily from the Madison (Ind.) County Jail and into the custody of attorney Thomas Hamer in order to attend a Social Security Administration hearing in Indianapolis, according to the Anderson Herald Bulletin newspaper.
Hamer told authorities Hudson put a knife to his throat. Hudson reportedly stated he was not going back to jail and made the attorney drive to his parents' graves. He also threatened to kill himself and his girlfriend.
The attorney, who told authorities he feared for his life, was bound and dropped off at a state park. Hudson reportedly took the man's maroon 2007 Ford Escape, cell phone and wallet. He was last spotted around 10 a.m. in Pennville, Ind.
Anderson Police reports indicate Hudson had been jailed on domestic battery charges and was unable to post bond. He apparently convinced an Anderson Municipal Court judge to temporarily release him for the Social Security hearing.
Slusser describes the escapee as a white male standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. A current mugshot shows him with long gray hair and a long gray beard although previous photographs show him clean shaven and neatly groomed.
"He has served time in the Florida prison system and should be considered armed and dangerous," Slusser said.
Anyone with information should call the police at 419-586-2345.
