Police say jail escapee barricaded himself in a friend's home

By Times Staff Writer
Published April 20, 2005

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TAMPA - Tampa police arrested a jail escapee Tuesday night after they say he barricaded himself inside a friend's apartment.

James Keaton, 44, of 7305 Heritage Hills Drive in Tampa escaped from jail just after 10:30 p.m. Monday, records show. He had been arrested April 11 and charged with sale of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school and opposing an officer without violence. Police said they found Keaton about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at North Boulevard Homes and he ran to 1803 N Oregon Ave., the home of Stacey Laidler, who later told police she was friends with Keaton.

He tried to get her to open the door, but she refused, police said. He kicked at the door dozens of times and tried to take out an air conditioner before he finally found a way inside, according to police.

Officers called in a hostage negotiation team and tried to make contact with the pair. Keaton agreed to surrender about 9 p.m. and police charged him with escape, resisting arrest without violence and trespassing on Tampa Housing Authority property.

Laidler told police she didn't answer the door or the phone when they tried to call because Keaton wouldn't let her.