“At approximately 4:15 p.m. Thursday, inmate Dillon Martin attempted to escape custody while returning to the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution from a court appearance in Lancaster County,” according to the announcement.
Officials say Martin broke open a small bag of unidentified powder which dispersed into the air. The driver stopped the van, and the driver and the second staff member exited the vehicle. Martin was combative and aggressive. The third staff member, who was in the secure section of the van with Martin, engaged the electronic restraint device and deployed chemical agent.
The staff outside the vehicle opened the door to let the third staff member exit the vehicle. The announcement said Martin came out of the van charging at the staff members, who used physical force to subdue him. The department says Martin was returned to the secure perimeter of TSCI.
Director Scott R. Frakes assured the public that “all transportation security practices will be reviewed and a critical incident review conducted.”
No serious injuries to staff members or Martin were noted. The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the attempted escape.
Martin is serving 10 years 6 months to 25 years for assault, 2nd degree; possession of a stolen firearm; numerous counts of theft and two counts attempted possession of a controlled substance except marijuana. Martin was in court Thursday in Lincoln for a Lancaster County Court hearing in which he waived a preliminary hearing on charges of assault by a confined person.