Only in Florida: Florida inmate escapes work detail

A Florida inmate turned a routine work assignment into an unusual escape attempt after allegedly cutting off his electronic ankle monitor, stealing a co-worker’s bicycle and riding away from a job site.

But his freedom lasted less than 20 hours.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, 41-year-old Jacob D. Wermann escaped Wednesday afternoon from an industrial business along Southeast Highway 100 in Lake City, where he was participating in a work-release program.

Investigators said Wermann removed his ankle monitor before taking a bicycle belonging to a fellow worker and leaving the property at approximately 5 p.m.

Deputies responded to the scene and searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate him. Authorities subsequently issued an alert asking officers to watch for the escaped inmate.

Escape Ends Near the Woods

The following morning, investigators received information suggesting Wermann had been spotted near Northwest Ernest Green Glen, just off U.S. Highway 441 North.

When deputies arrived, they learned that Wermann had apparently run into a wooded area in an attempt to avoid capture.

Officers established a perimeter and began searching for him.

After a brief foot chase, deputies caught Wermann near Northwest Jamie Glen, bringing the unusual escape attempt to an end.

Previously Convicted of Fleeing Police

In an ironic twist, Wermann was already serving time for fleeing and eluding law enforcement.

He had been convicted in April 2026 and sentenced to 22 months of confinement.

At the time of his escape, he was assigned to Bridges of Lake City, a work-release facility that allows eligible inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences.

Authorities confirmed that Wermann is back in custody and now faces additional charges of escape and theft.

A Short-Lived Getaway

What began with a stolen bicycle ended with another police pursuit — this time on foot.

The incident also raises questions about security procedures for inmates participating in supervised work-release programs.

Officials have not publicly explained how Wermann managed to remove his monitoring device without being stopped before leaving the work site.

For this Florida inmate, the bicycle getaway ultimately led straight back into custody.