According to published reports, a Sullivan County deputy has been fired after reportedly allowing a hospitalized inmate to slip past him Saturday morning. To add insult to injury, the inmate then escaped in the deputy’s personal vehicle. A Sheriff’s Department news release indicates inmate Donovan Austin allegedly crept out of his room at Bristol Regional Medical Center when Deputy Beck Owens fell asleep, then fled the facility in Owens’ vehicle, which was in the hospital parking lot. Once alerted, officers located Austin and a short chase ensued, after which Austin was recaptured. An investigation is ongoing.
