HUMBOLDT – A Northern Iowa jail inmate craved freedom so voraciously that he ran from a deputy in his leg irons and handcuffs, but was soon caught after a manhunt.
Webster County Sheriff Luke M. Fleener reports that on Friday, August 25, 2023, at approximately 2:00 PM, a Webster County Deputy was transporting three inmates to the Humboldt County Jail, due to overcrowding, to be housed there. When the deputy arrived in Humboldt and began escorting the inmates into the building, 33-year-old Jesse D. Carlson ran away and escaped the custody of the deputy, while in handcuffs and leg irons. Local officers and deputies immediately searched the nearby areas and within minutes, Carlson was located hiding inside a vehicle nearby and was taken into custody without further issues.
Carlson was then transported back to the Webster County Jail to be placed in lockdown, charged with escape in Humboldt County due to this incident.
The Webster County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the Humboldt Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol. Thanks to all of their quick response, this incident did not create a danger to the citizens of Humboldt.