UPDATE: Inmates hoist Moody out of Hardin jail

April 23 - A little over seven hours after Matthew T. Moody escaped from the Hardin County Correctional Facility Wednesday, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Department arrested the escapee at 8:41 p.m. in the parking lot of the U.S. Post Office branch on 705 Water Street.

Arrested during a methamphetamine sting April 15, Moody, 21, of 930 Tenn. 114, Scotts Hill was initially arrested on charges of initiation to manufacture methamphetamine and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

During Moody’s escape, Hardin County Sheriff Sammy Davidson says another inmate distracted an officer supervising the inmate.

During the diversion, Davidson says two additional inmates hoisted Moody, 5 feet 11 inches tall and 170 pounds, up the exercise yard’s wall.

Classified as a medium security inmate, Davidson says Moody sustained injuries from razor wire as he escaped.

Once out, Davidson says Moody ran along the wall containing the exercise yard and jumped about 17 feet to the ground. Davidson says Moody then ran into a nearby wooded area.

To help catch the escapee, Davidson says the sheriff’s department contacted the Savannah Police Department.

"We tried to keep him in the same, wooded area," Davidson said. "The police department helped contain him."

After the arrest, Davidson says Moody received treatment for minor cuts and was brought back to the correctional facility the same night.

In addition to his original charges, Davidson says Moody also faces a felony escape charge.

The inmates who participated in Moody’s escape are being charged with criminal responsibility for the facilitation of a felony, Davidson says.