TACOMA, Washington (AP) -- An inmate already sentenced to life in prison under the state's "three-strikes" law fled the courthouse using a fake gun made of cardboard and paper to fool guards, authorities said.
Harold McCord Jr., 36, remained at large Tuesday morning, the day after his escape from the Pierce County Courthouse.
With convictions for robbery, harassment, assault and kidnapping, he was sentenced recently to a life term under Washington state's "three strikes" law, sheriff's spokeswoman Lauren Pawlawski said.
"We're concerned that he's desperate because obviously, at this point, he doesn't have a lot to lose since he is facing life in prison without the chance of parole," she said.
McCord's handcuffs and shackles were removed while he was in court Monday for a hearing in yet another case.
"That was the opportunity he saw to flee and pull out this weapon he had manufactured," Pawlawski said.
He ran from the courtroom and was tackled by a guard. As they were fighting, he pulled out what appeared to be a handgun. Other officers lowered their weapons and he fled, Pawlawski said.
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Harold McCord Jr., 36, remained at large Tuesday morning, the day after his escape from the Pierce County Courthouse.
With convictions for robbery, harassment, assault and kidnapping, he was sentenced recently to a life term under Washington state's "three strikes" law, sheriff's spokeswoman Lauren Pawlawski said.
"We're concerned that he's desperate because obviously, at this point, he doesn't have a lot to lose since he is facing life in prison without the chance of parole," she said.
McCord's handcuffs and shackles were removed while he was in court Monday for a hearing in yet another case.
"That was the opportunity he saw to flee and pull out this weapon he had manufactured," Pawlawski said.
He ran from the courtroom and was tackled by a guard. As they were fighting, he pulled out what appeared to be a handgun. Other officers lowered their weapons and he fled, Pawlawski said.
Want to learn more?
http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/06/24/fake.gun.ap/index.html