Manhunt Ends for Minnesota Man Who Escaped Custody in Georgia

Savanah, GA (KROC-AM News)- The manhunt for a Minnesota man who escaped law enforcement custody in Georgia has ended. 

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A news release issued by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office says deputies were sent to Statesboro Georgia on Thursday to retrieve 35-year-old Joseph Harrison Baynes from the Bulloch County Jail where he was being held pending extradition to Minnesota. After taking custody of Baynes around 11:45 AM, the Eden Prairie man somehow managed to escape while he was being transported to the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport. 

Baynes reportedly fled into a heavily wooded area on the airport property, and despite an intensive search of the area, authorities were unable to locate him. Dakota County officials announced that Baynes was back in custody as of 4 p.m. Friday. 

He was found in Savannah, however further information regarding his apprehension has not been released. Details surrounding his escape from custody remain under investigation, however the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office said they did not have any deputies with Baynes and Dakota County deputies at the time of the escape. 

Officials say Baynes did not have a weapon and the deputies transporting him were not hurt. Dakota County deputies were in Georgia to return Baynes back to Minnesota to face charges of felony harassment. 

Court records show Baynes has previous convictions for domestic violence, failing to register as a predatory offender, and fleeing police.