DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - [UPDATE: Jan. 13, 6 p.m.] Authorities have captured William “Billy” Hagan after he escaped a work detail in Dougherty County.

Hagan was captured near the Albany Mall Planet Fitness location around 5:30 p.m., officials said.

Hagan has reportedly been taken into custody by Dougherty County officials.

[ORIGINAL ARTICLE] Authorities are searching Tuesday, Jan. 13 for an inmate who escaped from a work detail, according to the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). They said the inmate is not posing a threat to the public.

The inmate is William “Billy” Hagan, DCSO announced at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Officials say Hagan escaped at about 10:17 a.m. He was reportedly part of a maintenance work detail when the incident occurred. The inmate and a maintenance worker had traveled to a local vendor shop when the worker exited the vehicle. At that point, Hagan allegedly stole the maintenance vehicle. The vehicle has since been recovered, officials said.

Law enforcement officials said around noon Tuesday that they believe Hagan may be contained in a wooded area near North Monroe Street and Maxwell Drive. A perimeter has been established, and a K-9 unit was brought to search the area. Deputies say they are attempting to keep the scene clear to allow scent-tracking dogs to operate effectively.

Hagan is an inmate at the Dougherty County Jail, as he was sentenced for several charges. They are as follows:

• Trafficking in cocaine (4 counts)
• Firearm possession by a convicted felon (4 counts)
• Possession of drug-related objects (2 counts)
• Possession of a Schedule II drug (5 counts)
• Probation violation

The sheriff’s office said that Hagan is not considered dangerous.

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