Video Update: Massive Manhunt in Lispcomb for Escaped Inmate

By Jen Hale
Reporter and weekend anchor
Published: September 16, 2008

The manhunt for an escaped inmate continues at this hour.  Tuesday night was long and intense as sheriffs deputies, police, and US marshals searched the community of Lipscomb for 20 year old Lakendall Sims.  Sims over-powered a bailiff at the Bessemer Courthouse on his way to a hearing Tuesday afternoon. Police say he then took off with the baliff’s gun and carjacked a van.  The baliff is recovering in a local hospital and expected to be fine. 

Dozens of officers in full swat gear combing through the Lipscomb community, raiding several homes.  Sims is from Lipscomb, his mother still lives there.  Around 9:30 Tuesday night, detectives recovered and removed the van Sims allegedly carjacked and used to escape.  A helicopter equipped with a powerful spotlight searched for Sims by air. 

Sgt. Randy Christian with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department issued this statement early Wednesday morning: “We searched throughout the night and Sims is still at large. It is believed that Sims drove the van to Lipscomb, entered a home there occupied by a lone woman and remained there until dark. He knocked on her door and when she answered it he forced his way in. She was not harmed.  There was one possible reported sighting and we concentrated on that area throughout the night. Tracking dogs and our Star One Helicopter were involved. Many locations were searched that we determined he may be connected to. We believe he may still be in that area but are not ruling anything out. The search is ongoing and we will keep you updated of new developments.“ 

Sims’ was headed to court on charges of capital murder, sodomy, rape and robbery.  He is considered armed and dangerous.  If you see Lakendall Sims - do not confront him - call police. 

NBC 13 HD’s Lisa Crane contributed to this report