MEMPHIS, Tenn — Oakland Police Department said the 16-year-old teen who escaped from the custody of the Department of Children Services on Wednesday, March 1, was found and taken into custody around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night.
Tennessee, area schools were placed on lockdown Wednesday as law enforcement searched for Devin Westbrook. Oakland police warned the community, describing Westbrook as a “dangerous felon.”
According to Oakland Police, Westbrook was with officials Wednesday at the Fast Pace Medical Center in the 7200 block of Highway 64 in Oakland when he ran away westbound on Highway 64.
Oakland Police said Westbrook was wearing a blue jean jacket and blue jeans issued by DCS. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office said the teen also had handcuffs and shackles when he ran.
The sheriff’s office said Westbrook was in custody on previous charges of attempted first-degree murder.
Fayette County Schools issued this statement on social media: "Today a juvenile from Wilder Youth Development Center escaped from state custody in Oakland. He was with state officials at the Fast Pace Medical Center in the 7200 block of Hwy 64 in Oakland. He fled in handcuffs and shackles on foot wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans issued by the state.
Out of an abundance of caution due to this incident, West Junior High and Oakland Elementary were placed under a lockdown per directive from local law enforcement, who will have a presence on both campuses through the end of the school day. Students are under a normal schedule. No one is allowed to enter or exit the building at this time. Beyond the Bell will be canceled today at West Junior High and Oakland Elementary.
Other district schools are taking additional safety precautions at this time, but were not placed on lockdown by local law enforcement. We will provide additional information as it becomes available."