MACON, GA – Four inmates, one of whom faces murder charges, have made a daring escape from a central Georgia detention facility. The Bibb County Detention Center in Macon, positioned roughly 84 miles southeast of Atlanta, became the scene of the breakout around 3 a.m. this Monday.

According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the escapees used a damaged second-floor day room window for their exit and managed to maneuver through a breached perimeter fence. A suspicious blue Dodge Challenger, caught on surveillance, was seen near the jail premises during the escape, fueling speculations about external assistance. Sheriff David Davis shared with the press that the vehicle was captured on camera earlier that evening, hinting at possible tampering with the jail’s defenses.

Among the escapees is 52-year-old Joey Fournier, a murder suspect. His accomplices include Marc Kerry Anderson, 24, facing aggravated assault charges; Chavis Demaryo Stokes, 29, held on charges of firearms possession and drug trafficking; and Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, 37, previously detained on federal charges related to significant drug distribution.

The whereabouts of these men remain uncertain, as does their possible rendezvous with the aforementioned Challenger. “We witnessed them flee the scene, and the car departed soon after. It’s ambiguous if they boarded this vehicle or perhaps another,” stated Davis.

Further concerns arise from the revelation that fewer than 10 staff members were on duty during the escape. Adjustments to staffing are in motion, with an ongoing internal investigation scrutinizing the breach in security that allowed inmates to access an unlocked day room during supposed lockdown hours. Interestingly, Sheriff Davis pointed out that this isn’t the maiden stint for three of the four escapees in this facility, which spans 43 years in its existence.

In the wake of this escape, the sheriff’s office has actively sought the community’s assistance, offering a $1,000 reward for pivotal leads. Those privy to information can contact Macon Regional Crime Stoppers.

Ripple effects of the jailbreak resonated across Bibb County, with 38 educational establishments initiating a precautionary lockdown throughout Monday. These measures are temporary, as per district statements, with regular schedules resuming, albeit under vigilant coordination with law enforcement.

For context, over 21,000 students were enrolled in the Bibb County School District during the 2021-2022 academic year.