From leaping out of windows to making a run for it during a bathroom break, courthouse escapes are more common than you might think. Join us as we delve into some of the wildest and most memorable courtroom escapes caught on camera. These stories of audacity, desperation, and sheer luck will leave you wondering how they could possibly happen.
Second-Story Plunge for Freedom
Our first stop takes us to Newport, Tennessee, in February 2023. Michael Dean Smith, already facing charges of being a fugitive from justice and drug possession, found himself in court yet again. As security footage reveals, Smith, clad in jail garb and seemingly resigned to his fate, suddenly springs into action. He makes a beeline for an open window and takes a daring leap from the second story.
Michael Dean Smith jumps from a courthouse window
Amazingly, despite the fall, Smith survived with minor injuries. “The court security officers responded very quickly to the incident,” stated the Cook County Sheriff’s office, highlighting the swift reaction that led to Smith’s recapture. His brief taste of freedom, however, earned him an additional charge of attempting to escape.
A Mad Dash to Freedom
Just a few weeks later, in Hillsboro, Oregon, another escape unfolded during jury selection for a murder trial. Edie Vi Alobos, accused of a brutal stabbing, was about to face his day in court. As per courtroom policy, restraints were being removed from his legs before he rejoined potential jurors.
In a flash, Alobos seized the opportunity. He sprinted out of the courtroom, leaving stunned onlookers in his wake. This time, the escapee managed to evade authorities for hours, triggering a frantic search that included roadblocks and a perimeter around the courthouse.
A tip ultimately led to Alobos’ capture, hiding in a nearby apartment complex. His desperate gamble proved futile, ultimately resulting in a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
More Than Just a Runaway Groom
These shocking incidents in Hillsboro prompted a review of courtroom security protocols. As Sergeant Danny DiPietro of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office emphasized, “What we’re doing is we’re having conversations…between our court security unit, judges, the courts [to] try to figure out the best way to orchestrate these incidents in the future.”
The need for heightened security became even clearer with the case of Jamie Regalad Pena, also in Hillsboro. During a probation violation hearing, Pena bolted from the courtroom when it became apparent he was about to be arrested. Despite a head start, his escape was short-lived, ending with a collision with a parked car.
Through the Ceiling and into Custody
Perhaps the most creative escape attempt belongs to Jessica Boomershine of Dayton, Ohio. Facing charges of kidnapping, assault, and robbery, Boomershine decided to take matters into her own hands while awaiting her court appearance.
Security footage captures the moment Boomershine, perched precariously atop a plastic chair and a video monitor, begins her ascent into the ceiling. As debris rains down, shocked onlookers watch in disbelief.
Jessica Boomershine falls through ceiling tiles in a holding cell
Boomershine’s audacious plan ended with her landing in a trash can, her escape thwarted.
These are just a few of the many incredible courthouse escapes caught on camera. They offer a glimpse into the lengths some will go to for a taste of freedom, reminding us that even the most secure settings are not immune to the unexpected.