NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro police have launched an administrative review after a murder suspect escaped custody Wednesday.
Officials with Metro police said 32-year-old Brian Williams was taken into custody Wednesday morning after nearly nine hours on the run. He was found hiding behind Greater First Street Missionary Baptist Church.
PHOTOS: Murder Suspect Captured After Escaping Custody
Williams had been named a suspect in the shooting death of 34-year-old Henry Arthur Wilson III just hours earlier.
Wilson was shot and killed after an argument Monday night at The Park at Hillside in Edgehill.
Williams was first apprehended in the 1600 block of Hillside Avenue around 12:45 a.m. According to police, he was in the process of being brought to the Midtown Police precinct when he somehow slipped one of his wrists out of the handcuffs.
When Officer Benjamin Fisher, a three-year veteran, opened the door of his patrol car, Williams darted out and ran across the parking lot. Officer Fisher chased after him, but couldn’t catch him.
His escape briefly prompted MLK and Head Middle Magnet schools to be placed on precautionary lockdown while police searched the area. Metro Schools said students were safe inside the buildings.
Williams was caught shortly after 9 a.m. near 9th Avenue and Scovel Street after police received reports of a man matching his description. Investigators said multiple tips from citizens helped officers locate him.
Police said one of Williams' hands was still cuffed at the time of his arrest. He was taken into custody and booked on a $1.125 million bond on charges of criminal homicide, especially aggravated robbery -- for allegedly taking a gold chain from Wilson -- and evidence tampering.
Officials said the incident has prompted a thorough review of the events immediately surrounding Williams’ arrest on Hillside Avenue and his transport to the precinct building.
Williams’ girlfriend was also arrested when she was caught wearing the same jersey that was described as being worn by the gunman who killed Wilson.
Detectives said they believe Williams told Stennis to remove the jersey from her apartment. She was held in lieu of a $5,000 bond, and was charged with evidence tampering.
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