CORDELE, Ga. (WGXA) — An inmate escaped custody after pepper-spraying a corrections officer during transport in Cordele on Thursday night.

According to the Cordele Police Department, around 10:00 p.m., an inmate serving time in the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) for murder used a corrections officer's pepper spray against them and fled from the inmate transport van near 8th Avenue and 3rd Street.

Cordele police, Crisp County deputies and Georgia State Patrol troopers responded to the area to locate the suspect.

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A citizen reported to 911 that they saw the inmate near the 3rd Street Baptist Church. Officers located the inmate hiding behind the bushes at the church and they were returned to GDC custody.

"We are extremely proud of the coordinated efforts between all agencies involved and that this dangerous individual was apprehended quickly," Cordele Police wrote in a release. "We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the citizen who took the time to call 911 and provide valuable information. Community partnerships like this make all the difference."

Stick with WGXA as we learn more.