Christopher Hunt made his escape from authorities by removing his restraints and convincing the transport officer to pull over by saying he had to vomit.
CHRISTOPHER HUNT
The picture of Hunt’s disappearance Monday morning became clearer as he was formally charged. He remains at large.
Hunt, 33, was returning to the Texas County Jail from a court appearance in Phelps County when, according to a probable cause statement, he convinced the transport officer to pull over “so he could vomit.” As the officer opened the side door of the van, Hunt allegedly grabbed the door and slid it the rest of the way open. The transport officer said Hunt had already removed his wrist and leg restraints, and “threatened to kill the transport officer if he attempted to stop him.”
Hunt stole the vehicle and left the scene at a high rate of speed around 10:11 a.m. just south of Edgar Springs. The vehicle was discovered about an hour later near an abandoned home at the end of a county road. Hunt’s jail clothes were found inside.
Hunt, who was returning from a court appearance after entering a guilty plea and received a 20-year sentence in Phelps County Circuit Court at Rolla, was charged Tuesday morning with escape from custody with a dangerous weapon, dangerous instrument or by holding hostage. It’s a Class A felony.
Hunt was charged in September 2016 with multiple crimes following a pursuit in Wright and Texas counties. He was charged with two counts of tampering with a motor vehicle, three counts of assault or attempted assault of a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and resisting arrest by fleeing, all felonies.
Hunt also was charged with first-degree robbery in Greene County in connection with a September car theft.
Texas County Sheriff James Sigman released a statement on the department’s social media account Tuesday night that he believed Hunt was out of the area.