UPDATE 9/30/25
2:32 p.m.
The Gadsden County Sheriff's office says the man who escaped while being escorted to a transport vehicle has been captured.
According to Captain Angie Holmes, the GCSO negotiated a surrender of Cedric Butler.
Butler fled from the courthouse on Monday following a court appearance.
Butler has been booked into the Gadsden County Jail on several charges, including escape charges.
UPDATED BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT (9/29/2025):
6:00 p.m.
A courthouse escape in Gadsden County has neighbors on edge as deputies continue the search for a wanted man who slipped out of custody.
- Cedric Butler escaped from the Gadsden County Courthouse while being escorted to a transport vehicle.
- Butler has not been found, and deputies have called off the perimeter search.
- Watch the video below to hear a neighbor’s response to the decision.
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office says Cedric Butler is still on the run after breaking free from custody at the courthouse.
“I get here and we’re on high alert wondering what’s going on, and then I see that they just called the search off,” neighbor Robert Herrin said.
I’m neighborhood reporter Lentheus Chaney in Quincy, walking you through how deputies say it happened — and why some neighbors are upset the search has slowed down.
Butler was brought to court this morning for an appearance.
He already had active warrants for failure to appear on aggravated battery and possession of a controlled substance.
Deputies say the moment the handcuffs went on, Butler was considered an inmate.
He was being escorted outside to a vehicle for transport when he pulled away and ran.
At last sighting, he was shirtless, handcuffed, and wearing black shorts.
Neighbor Robert Herrin lives less than a mile from the courthouse. He says he’s concerned that the perimeter search has ended.
“They quit and just threw in the towel. I’m gonna let this guy who knew he was gonna be detained and was already in a state of desperation just roam around our neighborhood free — already knowing that it’s a minimum of five years after he ran and everything else — like, I’m sorely disappointed,” Herrin said.
Deputies have now added an escape charge to Butler’s list of warrants.
They say efforts to track him will continue until he is back in custody.
“I had to break off work, roll my tools up and everything fast I could to get here, just to make sure my kids and family [are] safe,” Herrin said.
If you know where Butler is, you’re urged to call law enforcement immediately.
Anonymous tips can also be made through Big Bend Crime Solvers at (850) 574-8477.
Officials warn that harboring a fugitive or helping an escapee is a felony.
Herrin says he feels Butler is a danger to the community based on his charges. Deputies say they remain confident he will be found.
1:50 p.m.:
The Gadsden County Sheriff's office says they've concluded the perimeter search for Butler, but have not located him. They say they will continue to look for him.
They say the lockdown on the schools has been lifted and that there's no immediate threat to the community.
GCSO says an additional charge has been added to Butler for Escape. He has active warrants for FTA/Aggravated Battery, Possession of a controlled substance, and Escape.
If you see him, you're asked to call 911 immediately or call Big Bend Crime Solvers at (850)-574-8477.
GCSO is also reminding the public that harboring a fugitive or aiding or abetting an escapee is a felony.
1:00 p.m.:
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is providing more information regarding the suspect who escaped custody.
According to Captain Anglie Holmes, Butler was in court for an appearance but was taken into custody for an unrelated charge.
According to Holmes, he was detained for failure to appear and possession of a controlled substance.
A judge remanded him into custody. The bailiff cuffed him, and while he was being escorted to a vehicle to be transported to the Gadsden County Jail, that's when he snatched away and ran from the bailiff as he was about to be taken into the back seat.
GCSO says he is still handcuffed, last seen wearing black shorts and no shirt.
GCSO says schools will remain on lockdown until it is deemed safe.
At this time, GCSO says Butler is not a threat to the community, but they are warning neighbors to lock their doors.
12:35 p.m.:
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office clarifies that Butler was not in custody, but reported to court on charges. They say the judge remanded him to custody, and upon transport, he ran from the deputy.
12:21 p.m.
The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has released more information on the escaped convict they are looking for.
They say Cedric Butler was being loaded for transport after court and ran from a Bailiff Deputy. He was last seen in the area of Stewart and Key Street and is currently being tracked by K-9 west towards 7th St.
GCSO says several law enforcement units and K-9 are searching the area, and a perimeter has been set.
Butler was last seen wearing black shorts with no shirt. If you see him, GCSO says to call 911 and DO NOT attempt to apprehend.
They say he's wanted for FTA Aggravated Battery.
Original:
Gadsden County School District has announced that the following schools are on lockdown due to a convict escaping from the courthouse.
- George W. Munroe Elementary
- Stewart Street Elementary School
- James A. Shanks Middle School
- Carter-Parramore Academy
- Gadsden Technical College
They're asking parents not to come to the school at this time. They say all students and staff are safe and will provide an update as soon as the lockdown is lifted.
WTXL ABC 27 has a crew on the way to the scene.
This is a developing story.
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