Two Maine jurors played a heroic role in recapturing an escaped child abuser after he fled a courthouse, as captured on security video.
Nicholas Carter, a 31-year-old convicted of assaulting a 14-month-old, managed to break free from custody and sprint out of the Somerset County Courthouse in Skowhegan, Maine, on September 11, 2024. However, his escape attempt was short-lived, thanks to the swift actions of two jurors who witnessed the incident.
Security footage from the courthouse shows Carter, handcuffed and flanked by two plainclothes officers, sprinting through a hallway, down a lobby staircase, and out the door. The officers gave chase, followed by a group of officers and other bystanders.
Jurors Capture Escaped Maine Convict Outside Courthouse
Carter reached the street and continued running before tripping and falling on his face. At that moment, two bystanders pounced on him, restraining him until the officers could arrive. Remarkably, these bystanders turned out to be jurors, although it is unclear whether they had been involved in Carter's case or a different matter.
Carter had been convicted after a three-day trial and was awaiting sentencing at the time of his escape. He had been out on bail prior to the conviction. After his recapture, he was booked into the Somerset County Jail by 2:18 p.m. on the day of the incident.
Jurors Capture Escaped Maine Convict Outside Courthouse
The failed escape is the second security breach at the courthouse this year. In April, an officer in the courtroom used a Taser to stop a man in the gallery who charged the killer convicted of stabbing his sister 99 times.
The incident has raised concerns about security at the courthouse, which is supposed to hold dangerous criminals. The sheriff's office is currently reviewing its security protocols in light of these recent security breaches.
Jurors Capture Escaped Maine Convict Outside Courthouse
Meanwhile, Carter faces new charges in connection with his escape attempt. He is expected to be sentenced for the assault conviction and these additional charges soon. His actions have not only resulted in his freedom being curtailed but have also put his safety and the safety of others at risk.
