Criminal in Handcuffs Escapes in Downtown Maysville

[ponto]

Joshua C. Gilbert escaped from local police custody while in handcuffs. The escape occurred about 23 hours ago.

A foot pursuit ensued but officers found no sign of Gilbert in downtown Maysville. Search dogs were also used, but were unable to find the escapee.

Joshua C. Gilbert is a white guy about 5 foot, 9 inches tall, weighs 165 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes and is 20 years old.

Gilbert was being charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree robbery when he ran from the police station downtown.

Previously, he has been charged with shoplifting, receiving stolen property, two counts of assaulting a police officer, one count of resisting arrest and one count of escape.

If you have information call the Maysville Police Department at 606-564-9411

[Unregistered]

Please tell me I read the article wrong. Did this person escape from the police department? If so, why did the officer have to radio for backup? There should have been at least a few officers stationed down there with the rest on patrol. I hope this is not the case but if it is will you please post the Mayors and Chief of Police's info up. This is pathetic! If someone escaped in the Police Department, than we should disband the Police and take up arms and fend for ourself! Please tell me we don't have 1 officer in the station at 3 a.m.?? Our police are sad if this is what it has came to.

[chevy]

Please tell me I read the article wrong. Did this person escape from the police department? If so, why did the officer have to radio for backup? There should have been at least a few officers stationed down there with the rest on patrol. I hope this is not the case but if it is will you please post the Mayors and Chief of Police's info up. This is pathetic! If someone escaped in the Police Department, than we should disband the Police and take up arms and fend for ourself! Please tell me we don't have 1 officer in the station at 3 a.m.?? Our police are sad if this is what it has came to.

It said police custody which is a term that means the police had him somewhere. In police custody can be outside your home. So as far as I read, they did not mean from the police department. I don't see anything about backup on here, but it could have been on a different article.

[Cobra]

The way that I read it from the Ledger is that they were at the police station and awaiting to be taken to the Detention Center when the suspect fled.

[chevy]

I hadn't seen the Ledge article yet, so I was going by what was above on here. Of course there could be more to the story than just what is here or in the Ledger. Who knows? I do hope he is caught.

[Flame]

Please tell me I read the article wrong. Did this person escape from the police department? If so, why did the officer have to radio for backup? There should have been at least a few officers stationed down there with the rest on patrol. I hope this is not the case but if it is will you please post the Mayors and Chief of Police's info up. This is pathetic! If someone escaped in the Police Department, than we should disband the Police and take up arms and fend for ourself! Please tell me we don't have 1 officer in the station at 3 a.m.?? Our police are sad if this is what it has came to.


Exactly how many police officer do you think are on duty in Maysville at 3:00 am? I will say if you think our police officers aren't doing a fine enough job the first thing you need to do is be a registered member and not hide behind "unregistered" and second apply for a job with the police department and go to the academy become a fine police officer. You may want to see if they have a ride along program in Maysville and maybe you can ride along with one of these officers one night. Not day. A night when there is 3 or 4 officer covering the entire city. Maybe then you can see what all they to protect the city of maysville. What is pathetic is the pay these officers get to protect ungrateful folks in a very dangerous job. Most of us on here (that work) get paid much more than these fellows do and I'm not sure about you but I don't wear a bullet proof vest to work.

So in closing I'll say---unless you want to become a police officer and risk your life every day for minimal pay I suggest you just thank our fine young men and women in uniform instead of degrading them.


I for one say thank you to all of Maysville"s finest and Mason County sheriffs department as well.

[TheMan]

Monday morning quarterbacking is part of it. People believing they know what's best and if they were there, this wouldn't happen or this would have.

FACT: Your "Pathetic" police officers solved a brutal armed robbery that night. Not from the victim reporting it. But from good old fashion patrolling. Bet they guy robbed is glad Officer Jason Hord was not in the police station at the time.

Fact: There were at least 5 men arrested for this robbery. All five were taken to the police department for questioning before being taken to jail. Too bad we didn't have 5 officers working that night. ALL 5 of them could have been down at the police station, instead of worrying about the rest of the city.

FACT: One officer had to take three prisoners to the jail. He had to make up his mind which was the most safe way to do that. He chose the safest path and one decided to run (still in handcuffs) from custody. Now I don't know about you, but this officer's split second decision to stay with the other two so they couldn't escape instead of chasing the one was a decision most couldn't make in 5 minutes.

Fact: Police officers are not paid to sit in the station and wait on calls to come in. That's why there is a dispatch center. Police officers patrol the city, not sit and wait on something to happen. Dispatchers are there for that reason 24/7.

Information: If for any reason you have an issue with the police department or an officer that works for you, you can call the Supervisor of that shift to get immediate contact. (606-594-9411) If for some reason you wish to speak to the Chief of Police or his assistant you need the following information:

Chief Kent Butcher can be reached Monday through Friday at the number listed above.

Major Ron Rice can be reached at the same time and the same number.

Look forward to hearing from you.


A Pathetic Officer

[Foxy]

I have to agree with Flame and The Man on this one. I have dealt with the MCSO and MPD and have ZERO complaints on the handling on this case. Of course I do have some reservations with MCSO but that is another thread. All in all however, I am very glad that these people do what they do. I couldn't do it... and I also agree they don't get paid squat for risking their lives. Any town, small or large can complain that there are not enough officers on duty at ANY given time of the day/night, but at least we have more than 1 officer.
Thank you TheMan and the other officers that are here.

To unregistered, you should be thankful, because even if you used your real name and were in need of an officer, they would be there to defend your life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness without fail... even if they didn't like you.... don't know how many of us "registered" user could say the same.....

[bagmom]

Monday morning quarterbacking is part of it. People believing they know what's best and if they were there, this wouldn't happen or this would have.

FACT: Your "Pathetic" police officers solved a brutal armed robbery that night. Not from the victim reporting it. But from good old fashion patrolling. Bet they guy robbed is glad Officer Jason Hord was not in the police station at the time.

Fact: There were at least 5 men arrested for this robbery. All five were taken to the police department for questioning before being taken to jail. Too bad we didn't have 5 officers working that night. ALL 5 of them could have been down at the police station, instead of worrying about the rest of the city.

FACT: One officer had to take three prisoners to the jail. He had to make up his mind which was the most safe way to do that. He chose the safest path and one decided to run (still in handcuffs) from custody. Now I don't know about you, but this officer's split second decision to stay with the other two so they couldn't escape instead of chasing the one was a decision most couldn't make in 5 minutes.

Fact: Police officers are not paid to sit in the station and wait on calls to come in. That's why there is a dispatch center. Police officers patrol the city, not sit and wait on something to happen. Dispatchers are there for that reason 24/7.

Information: If for any reason you have an issue with the police department or an officer that works for you, you can call the Supervisor of that shift to get immediate contact. (606-594-9411) If for some reason you wish to speak to the Chief of Police or his assistant you need the following information:

Chief Kent Butcher can be reached Monday through Friday at the number listed above.

Major Ron Rice can be reached at the same time and the same number.

Look forward to hearing from you.


A Pathetic Officer

First off you know that you are not a Pathetic Officer. The person who wrote that doesn't realize 1/100 of what all you officers do. Per shift there is normally 3-4 people working. I think the person who wrote that comment should do a ride-along with an officer just to see what you all do on a night. I would want to make it a night that you have 3 people working each shift. I respect every officer for what they do for our community. Each day they put their lives on the line for safety of people in Maysville and when I read something like what the unregistered person wrote I am ticked off because I see what little respect you do get. I am sure you all would much rather work a job 8-5, no overtime, no holidays, no risk at anytime but as a police officer that isn't possible.

Things happen I am honestly glad that no one was hurt. Having one officer with 5 people could have turned out a lot worse. If I am not mistaken there were several things going on that night and everyone who was working was busy.

To the unregistered user: Maybe the next time you here of a robbery, rape, murder or you need a "pathetic police officer" you might want to rethink what you say about them. They don't judge you for a mistake that you made at work or something that happened and you were dealing with 15 other different things at the same time. Maybe you have kids while you were yelling or helping one with homework one of them got hurt. That doesn't make you a pathetic parent so why would this make someone a pathetic police officer? What if the officer would have went after the one guy who decided to run away? Then 3 people would have escaped, maybe you live close and they could have visited you and you all could have had a chat about how they escaped. But if one of them knocked on your door you would be calling the police to tell them how much you needed them. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

TheMan- I apologize for the way that person acted in this situation. I would personally like to thank you and all the other officers for everything that you do in Maysville. Yes we like any other town have our problems but without you all in would be a lot worse. I appreciate and am so thankful we have officers (also at the Sherriff's Office) who help the people of Maysville to have safe families and homes. THANK YOU

[bagmom]

Please tell me I read the article wrong. Did this person escape from the police department? If so, why did the officer have to radio for backup? There should have been at least a few officers stationed down there with the rest on patrol. I hope this is not the case but if it is will you please post the Mayors and Chief of Police's info up. This is pathetic! If someone escaped in the Police Department, than we should disband the Police and take up arms and fend for ourself! Please tell me we don't have 1 officer in the station at 3 a.m.?? Our police are sad if this is what it has came to.

You should really get all facts before posting anything like this!!!!!!!!!

Maybe if the officer watching them or waiting would have been doing something inapporopriate or not doing his job then you would have reason to complain. If you wanna call the Chief of Police or the Mayor to complain tell them to come up with money for more officers. But then taxes could be raised and you would fuss about that now wouldn't you? Maybe if you do call the Chief give them your name and address so it can be posted and the Officers you have just insulted would be able to thank you as well as rush in a time of your need.

[wmjsmallwood]

i have to say ;thank you ' to all of maysville's finest,,,and they are the finest !!! or we would not be able to leave our homes or our doors unlocked at any time ,or our keys in our cars while we shop (i know we should not but i forget and do alot )or drive downtown with out being attacted!!!!if you don't like mason co ,them move ,,,,i like it here and i support the men and women who risk their lives to give us security and safety!!!!!!!!!!!NEED MORE BE SAID!!!!

[Saber]

99% of the public that have a negative statement towards the police have a biased reason to do so in the first place. The overall manner and structure of this person statements reflects directly on his or hers character itself.

[jess41056]

I think that the cops do a good job. My husband works for the Ledger, and he said that cops were stopping and "searching" cars in this area looking for the suspect (at 3 a.m.)
I also live on Limestone and when my husband woke me up to tell me what had happened, I saw them patrolling. I would rather one person escape than 2 or 3. (I would prefer none, but that wasn't the case.) For the most part Maysville police are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!

[Foxy]

Well said Saber... TheMan, you think they will let me drive that thing with all the pretty blue and red lights on it if I do a ride along??? :confused:


I promise to watch out for the big yellow thingys in the parking lots.....:fear:




:drum:

[mark]

..........aaaah, the paper said the dude is from Ripley.

The law will pick him up in a week or two, you can count on it.........see ya mark

[bubbysgarage]

Please tell me I read the article wrong. Did this person escape from the police department? If so, why did the officer have to radio for backup? There should have been at least a few officers stationed down there with the rest on patrol. I hope this is not the case but if it is will you please post the Mayors and Chief of Police's info up. This is pathetic! If someone escaped in the Police Department, than we should disband the Police and take up arms and fend for ourself! Please tell me we don't have 1 officer in the station at 3 a.m.?? Our police are sad if this is what it has came to.


You must not know any of the men or women who protect and serve us on a daily basis. I for one do know many of them....and not a one is pathetic. I've had to call upon both the Maysville Police Dept and the Sheriff's office more than once and I can only recall one time that I thought something could have been done differently. But the Officer was using his professional judgement on that case. Do I think he's pathetic for the judgement he made....NO I don't.

I just have a hard time trying to comprehend how someone can call those who protect and serve us pathetic. To the entire Maysville Police Department, Mason County Sheriff's Office, KVE, and KSP THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOU DO.

[TheMan]

The dude now lives in Ripley but has lived and has family here as well.

Thank you all for all of the kind words and support. Taking criticism is part of the job, it is the easiest to accept and rebut. The kindness shown on this board and from the citizens of Maysville in general, does not go unnoticed by your public servants. It's just really hard to accept praise when it's given to you.

[Unregistered]

**** people. What you have to understand is that sometimes everyone has to make decisions that will, in someway impact others. I know this officer, he made a decision that some of us couldn't make in ten minutes. He did what was right at the time. It wasn't three suspects, it was five. This guy bolts and he did the right thing and kept the other four in line. Things happen in every job people, problem is, when a problem happens in their jobs, it's a lot more public. I work with the police dept on a lot of things and rest assured, I sleep well at night knowing we have the professional men and women that we do on our force. I say cut the guys a break and let them do their jobs. **** I wrote the **** story.

[Brian K Beckett]

With all the potential things that our law enforcement could screw up I don think I could get too upset over 1 escapee. Yes it shouldent have happend but everybody makes mistakes. Can you really blame the officer transporting 3 people. I just hope that they look into what happend and figure out a solution to prevent it from happening again.
And yes I would like to see more officers on duty. I would like to also see more firefighters in Maysville. But I also think the city really needs to look at hiring another dispatcher during the day and evening hours.

Its not like this or other screw ups happen all the time in Maysville. We all make mistakes but I hope you learn from it.

You got my support

[TheMan]

Not so sure this was a screw up.. I think the lack of manpower to handle the enormity of this particular case had more to do with it than anything.

Yes there were 5 arrested. But this officer only had three of them.

[Brian K Beckett]

Something went wrong somewhere maybe screw up wasent the best term. The point i was trying to make was that when mistakes happen the right thing to do is learn from them to prevent them from happening again. And since this doesent happen here everyday and you guys and gals have a 99.9% sucess rate I take it you do learn when mistakes are made or manpower mistakes or what ever. I am not the best at explaining myself so Ill shut up now I think you know what I mean. You all do a he** of a good job keep up the good work.

I have personally seen you in action I know you do an excellent job...

[TheMan]

I know what ya meant Brian.. Just frustrated at the way things could have been different if I could have had some what ifs....

There are not only a shortage of police officers in your city, but you're also right about this Brian.... We need more Fire/EMTs and dispatchers.

[ponto]

I have interviewed law enforcement leaders outside of the Maysville area and they have made use of an established volunteer program called Volunteers in Police Service. LINK (http://www.policevolunteers.org/start_program/)

When I approached our local officials they were interested, but hesitant about these programs. Maybe the time has come for a second look at these programs to help in the current manpower shortage.

When volunteers are used properly, sworn officers can spend more time doing what they have been trained to do.

[Unregistered]

If they were to be sent to jail shouldnt they have been behind lock doors in the police station????????? that would be the answer to the officer having to worry about so many "prisoners"!!!!!! kinda silly if you ask me !!!!!

[Chuck]

If they were to be sent to jail shouldnt they have been behind lock doors in the police station????????? that would be the answer to the officer having to worry about so many "prisoners"!!!!!! kinda silly if you ask me !!!!!

They can't stay at the PD forever. Someone has to take them to jail sooner or later.

[Flame]

If they were to be sent to jail shouldnt they have been behind lock doors in the police station????????? that would be the answer to the officer having to worry about so many "prisoners"!!!!!! kinda silly if you ask me !!!!!

Just for the record. No one asked you. They had to leave the police station and go to the jail. Those are at two different places, in case you don't know. So they have to go out of the building to get to the cruiser.

Like I"ve said before get you a uniform on if you think you can do it better.

[Unregistered]

For the record im tellin you i know the prisoners have to be taken to jail sometime, if we have a nice police station like we do we should have the space to hold the assumed prisoners in a confined space for the officers and the publics safety and if the man power is short , haul the prisoners ONE AT A TIME and not all at once like your taken some kids to walmart for the afternoon, this was bound to happen !!!! Like the person said above LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES!!!!

[Chuck]

Not to mention, nothing is 100% guaranteed.

[TheMan]

Come visit the police station sometime.. Ask for a tour. Be familiar with your officers work place.

[Unregistered]

I hope this punk realizes that when he finaly gets caught he's gonna take a beating. I hope they knock the taste out of this punks mouth! This comunity needs to realize how lucky we are to have such a police force, not to mention a full time fire department and EMS division. Maysville's size makes the assets we do have more valuable. People, you need to understand how hard these men and women work to protect us every minute of every day and that they are so underpaid it's rediculous. An officer can make 25K here in Maysville, or go to Northern KY and make 50K. I'm not a cop, fireman or Emergency worker but I do work with them in delivering news to the comunity so I suspect I am probably more in the know than most. Rest assured, throughout my dealings with all these departments and their employees, I've witnessed nothing but integrity and professionalism. We need to recognize the fact that these people took a drug dealing theif off the streets, not to mention helped someone with an obviously sketchy employment status with his 4K he was carying around in his jeans...Come on people, the next time you see a professional whose only job is to protect you and your comunity, whether it be a policeman, fireman or EMS worker, give them a compliment or a pat on the back. If you can't do that, then at least keep your mouth shut and enjoy the benefits that they provide you.
"You can't handle the truth"...
I think my last line came, at least partially, from a movie, but anyway, open your eyes and realize how lucky we are. If you feel you can do a better job, or streamline the operations more efficiently, then drop by any of the departments and offer your assistance. If, on the other hand, you are unwilling to do that, then keep your mouth shut and find something else to do with your time.
Rest assured, I would be the first individual to critisize any of these depts if I witnessed any wrongdoings, that's my job. I haven't and thus I won't.
Now, get off the computer, go outside and enjoy the weather. Find something better to do with your time than complaining about other people's performance. Take a look at your own job responsibilities and figure out how you can find perfection.
Have a wonderful day.
Scoop.
****** Double Post *********
for the record i never said a word about the quality of work we get from the guys and girls that protect this community they do a wonderful job my point was that one of thease fine men or women shouldnt be expected to watch 4 prisoners at once THERE SHOULD BE A ROOM TO LOCK THEM IN AND TRANSPORT 1 AT A TIME ! that has no bearing on the officers, whoever built the station was at fault here i never once questioned the job that they do or said that i could put there uniform on and do a better job in any of my posts on this subject!!!

[SilverFox]

Hard to imagine a police station would not have a "holding cell". There are some very good police officers, but there are also some that totally abuse their power and they give all a very bad name. With the advent of cell phone and camera, many abuses are caught on film.
Obviously in this situation there was a breakdown and I am sure the police chief will investigate and hopefully make some changes.

[Unregistered]

i really hope THE MAN doesn't feel like this ,that he needs to knock the taste out of this guys mouth ! sure this guy needs to be off the streets but getting beat by the police is not the answer ! thats whats wrong with this country now its always an eye for an eye this young man should have got the spanking he needed when he was young from his parents and a good paddeling in school like back in my day, then he wouldnt be the so called PUNK you are speaking of today the judge should give him a beating from the bench not the officer on the street!

[Foxy]

OK, I need to retract a statement about my reservations with MCSO. Patrick Boggs contacted me and all issues are resolved! I must say that I was very impressed at the personal attention Patrick took with my case. It made me feel very assured that this would can be fixed and that his door was always open and he is willing to listen.
To Patrick, Matt and the others... A sincere thank you from my family to you!!

[Brian K Beckett]

Just for the record. No one asked you. They had to leave the police station and go to the jail. Those are at two different places, in case you don't know. So they have to go out of the building to get to the cruiser.

Like I"ve said before get you a uniform on if you think you can do it better.

I dont think I could do it better but when I was younger I always wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff in Mason Co. But I got older and now dont think i would like to do it full time. Is it possible to be sworn in for 1 day???

[Foxy]

I dont think I could do it better but when I was younger I always wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff in Mason Co. But I got older and now dont think i would like to do it full time. Is it possible to be sworn in for 1 day???
Maysville is starting a Volunteer Mounted Patrol. they need non-riders and riders alike... you can join them!

Email me for more info...

[TheMan]

i really hope THE MAN doesn't feel like this ,that he needs to knock the taste out of this guys mouth ! sure this guy needs to be off the streets but getting beat by the police is not the answer ! thats whats wrong with this country now its always an eye for an eye this young man should have got the spanking he needed when he was young from his parents and a good paddeling in school like back in my day, then he wouldnt be the so called PUNK you are speaking of today the judge should give him a beating from the bench not the officer on the street!

Don't think I ever said I felt that way.

[Unregistered]

Have they found this guy yet ???????
****** Double Post *********
Does anyone know if this young man has been even seen in this area? Thought there would atleast be a update on this in our local paper!!!!!!!

[ponto]

Have they found this guy yet ?

Not yet, but here's a photo of the suspect.

[kdown]

Police action or inaction is ALWAYS an easy target

[mark]

..........aaaah, the paper said the dude is from Ripley.

The law will pick him up in a week or two, you can count on it.........see ya mark

They will get him soon.
Local boys won't stay away very long.
It' s a matter of time............see ya mark

[Kemosabe]

Sorry to change the topic as this thread has gone off on another tangent. The news is good although my information is not guaranteed, I have not read it on any news sites or papers, but I heard Thursday Josh Gilbert was captured in West Union.

[ponto]

Watcha gonna do when they come for u....

[chevy]

It was only a matter of time. They caught him once, it was going to happen again.

[Pierced Bliss]

I've known Josh for about 10 years and his mom is a great person. I feel sorry for his family because they seem to be the ones to pay for it. I have to wonder what he was thinking...oh wait, he probably wasn't. That's the problem, but yes Chevy, it's only a matter of time before they catch him again.

[Daphne]

GEORGETOWN, Ohio -- Joshua Gilbert, who has been on the run from law enforcement officials in Ohio and Kentucky since mid April was arrested early Wednesday morning in Ripley, Ohio.

According to a press release issued by Brown County Sheriff Dwayne Wenninger, Gilbert, 20 of Aberdeen, Ohio, was apprehended at 12:30 a.m. without incident at his grandmother's home on North Second Street.

Gilbert was wanted in Ohio on felony charges of robbery and burglary stemming from his alleged role in two robberies which occurred April 3 and April 5, in Aberdeen. Both robberies were against the same victim.

Wenninger said the Ripley Police Department received information which led officers to Gilbert's whereabouts. According to officials, Gilbert was found hiding under a bed in the residence and was taken to the Brown County Adult Detention Center.

Source (http://www.maysville-online.com/articles/2008/05/01/local_news/1347gilbert.txt)

[kdown]

You can run but ya can't hide for long

[bubbysgarage]

I'm glad they caught him...now maybe he'll stay where he belongs in a concrete and steel cage.

[mark]

..........aaaah, the paper said the dude is from Ripley.

The law will pick him up in a week or two, you can count on it.........see ya mark

"atta-boy" for the police.

I knew it wouldn't be very long before they "git" him.........see ya mark

[kdown]

Well I guess this thread has runn its course

[Unregistered]

Anyone hear of a prisoner escaping from the Maysville Detention Center last night? There were a lot of road blocks out and someone called to give me a heads up that they were looking for an escapee.

[mark]

Anyone hear of a prisoner escaping from the Maysville Detention Center last night? There were a lot of road blocks out and someone called to give me a heads up that they were looking for an escapee.

If so..........they'll "git" him too within a few weeks........see ya mark

[TheMan]

Nope it was a safety check point.

[ponto]

Nope it was a safety check point.


There ought to be a zoning law about safety check points..

[Flame]

I think it is great they had the check points. Of course I was not on the road so it didn't affect me. LOL

[Chuck]

Stop drinking and or doing drugs of abuse and driving then the safety checks are a only a place to stop and chat with a cop in the middle of the night.

[ponto]

MADD should serve coffee while we chat with our friends in law enforcement.

I agree, it is nice to see a friendly face now and then.