From WRGA Rome’s News Talk
Update 10:30 p.m:
26-year-old Dustin Cotton was found around 10 p.m. this evening.
He was found on the Etowah RIver off Glen Milner Blvd, according to Floyd County E911.
Floyd County Sheriff Tim Burkhalter posted the following on his Facebook page:
“Quick shout out and thanks to the men in blue, green, grey black and any color I missed .. for the help today and tonight, It was such an amazing team effort, so many agency’s, no turf issues. All sworn to protect and serve. Thanks all for the assist! Proud to work alongside you all! Dustin Cotton, now in custody.”
Previously posted:
The search continues for 26-year old Dustin Cotton.
The inmate escaped from the Floyd County Courthouse at 11:58 Monday morning.
Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell a deputy had let Cotton go to the restroom on the third floor, which is not uncommon.
He said Cotton made his escape by going down a stairwell.
A number of law enforcement agencies are still searching the downtown and surrounding areas at this hour.
UPDATE – 2;46 p.m.
A heavy police presence in downtown Rome.
A helicopter has been called in to assist in the search for 26-year old Dustin Cotton, who escaped from court just before noon.
FROM FLOYD COUNTY POLICE: Cotton not armed that we know of, but has had previous charges of Armed Robbery and Kidnapping
FROM ROME POLICE:
Dustin Earl Cotton (white male) escaped from custody while at the Floyd County Courthouse today at 11:58 am. Deputies at the courthouse reported to E911 at that time that Cotton had fled the courthouse on foot. An immediate and heavy law enforcement response to the area resulted in the location of what is believed to be the clothing that he was wearing when he escaped (orange inmate pants/shirt and shoes). At this time an active search is being conducted by all local law enforcement agencies in an attempt to apprehend Dustin Earl Cotton. If anyone has any information as to his whereabouts or believes they may see him they are asked to contact E911 immediately. Please do not attempt to interact with this subject, just call 911.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED:
The inmate, identified as 26-year old Dustin Cotton, escaped from court just before noon and was last seen at 4th Avenue and Tribune Street, running up 4th toward the churches.
It is believed he shed the orange shirt and likely still has on a t-shirt. He was also wearing the orange pants.
Police found his leg shackles at 4th and Tribune.
His last known address was on Southern Street.
He is a white male with dark hair and is now clean-shaven.
If you see Cotton, please call 911.
Cotton was arrested in January following a robbery at the Marathon Convenience Store at 2918 Martha Berry Highway in which he allegedly approached a woman from behind and demanded that she get into the vehicle.
After a brief struggle, the victim fell to the ground and Cotton fled in her vehicle.
Cotton then reportedly led police on a high-speed chase up Highway 140 into Bartow County, where he abandoned the vehicle and was later caught, hiding in a wooded area..