In a swift turn of events, three inmates who had managed to escape from a jail in DeKalb County, Georgia, were apprehended in Miami, Florida. This capture concluded a multistate manhunt orchestrated by the U.S. Marshals Service, along with regional fugitive task forces, ensuring the fugitives were secured without any incidents.
The escapees—Stevenson Charles, aged 24, Yusuf Minor, 31, and Naod Yohannes, 25—had made their daring escape from the DeKalb County Jail located in Decatur, just outside the city of Atlanta, in the early hours of Monday morning. Their breakout prompted an urgent search given the severity of the charges they were facing, which included murder, arson, and armed robbery. Authorities had warned the public that these individuals were dangerous and potentially armed.
Investigative efforts revealed that Charles had been in contact with his girlfriend in Florida, which provided a crucial lead in tracking their movements. Around 2:30 a.m., the trio secured a ride through a Lyft service, departing from the residence of Minor’s girlfriend.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the ride ended at a vacant address in Stone Mountain, Georgia, known to have connections with Minor. This development helped authorities piece together the escape route and ultimately led to their capture in Miami.
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said three inmates escaped from Dekalb County Jail. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)
The driver then took the suspects to a vacant address in Stone Mountain, Georgia, associated with Minor.
Investigators identified the Lyft driver and began efforts to locate her.
Authorities later determined the fugitives allegedly forced the driver to take them to Florida along a route toward the Miami area, where Charles’ girlfriend was located.
The inmates were considered dangerous and possibly armed, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)
At about 9:30 p.m. Monday, investigators learned the fugitives had rented an Airbnb in Miramar, Florida.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office spotted the Lyft vehicle about 10:45 p.m. and attempted a traffic stop, but Charles and Yohannes fled.
The three inmates were captured without incident in Miami, Florida, after a multistate manhunt. (DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office)
By 11:40 p.m., all three fugitives were apprehended without further incident.
The Lyft driver was located and treated by emergency responders.
A Lyft spokesperson told Fox News Digital the company is working with law enforcement in any way it can.
“We are deeply concerned by this incident and relieved that the driver is safe,” the spokesperson said. “Our hearts are with the driver, and we have reached out to offer support.”
The investigation into the escape remains ongoing.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Charles was convicted of federal weapons violations and sentenced to 10 years to life in prison. Minor was convicted of murder in 2024 and is serving a life sentence, while Yohannes was being held on arson and criminal damage charges. All three now face additional charges.
