Convict on Crutches Tries to Flee County Courthouse

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 27, 2011 2:20PM

Here's a story that ought to brighten your day about a man who wouldn't let an injury prevent him from tasting sweet freedom. Unfortunately, that man is also a recidivist ex-con who was awaiting a bond hearing on a recent burglary arrest.

James Roesch, 49, tried to flee from Cook County Courthouse before his bond hearing, on crutches. When he realized that his crutches may be an impediment or make him more recognizable, Roescher ditched the crutches. Roescher managed to leave the courthouse before he was re-apprehended by officers in time for his bond hearing.

The tale of how a man managed to escape custody and crutch the fuck out of 26th and California was the talk of the courthouse yesterday, as well it should have been. How often does a man on crutches manage to flee from custody long enough to make it out of the courthouse?