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Part of a prison crew working at the Hernando County Airport, the 18-year-old walked behind an airplane hangar and disappeared, officials say.
By JAMIE JONES, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 29, 2002
BROOKSVILLE -- An 18-year-old inmate who has "The Lovers Den" tattooed on his left arm escaped from a prison work crew on Friday, authorities said.
Brian Chipman, serving time for burglary and grand theft, made his escape from the Hernando County Airport south of Brooksville, where he was working with five other inmates from the Sumter Forestry Camp, authorities said.
Shortly before noon, just after the men had eaten lunch, Chipman walked behind a nearby airplane hangar and disappeared, according to Sheriff's Office reports.
Authorities did not say how he got away from the supervising corrections officer, Daniel Martinez.
An employee in an airplane repair shop told investigators that she saw an inmate walk around the west side of her Broad Street building before he disappeared. She said she called authorities.
Several police dogs scoured nearby woods trying to pick up Chipman's scent. They located his pants on Broad Street but could not find him. A Sheriff's Office helicopter also circled the area but could not find Chipman.
Sterling Ivey, spokesman for the state Department of Corrections, said officers would continue searching until they found Chipman or had nowhere else to look. If caught, Chipman will face additional charges, he said.
Chipman is 5 feet, 10 inches tall with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a scar on his forehead and multiple tattoos, including "Cathy" on his left arm and "Bob" on his right arm. He has a lengthy criminal record that includes charges of armed burglary, larceny and vehicle theft.
Chipman was sentenced in January to three years and four months in prison, but with various credits his tentative release date was Nov. 6, 2004.
He was serving time at the Sumter Forestry Camp, part of Sumter Correctional Institution near Bushnell. Inmates are eligible for work camps if they are minimum security inmates within several years of their release dates.
Authorities suspect Chipman may be headed to Pasco County, where his family lives. Anyone with information is asked to call 754-6830.
-- Jamie Jones covers law enforcement and courts in Hernando County and can be reached at (352) 754-6114. Send e-mail to jjones@sptimes.com.