Inmate Faces Charges After Attempted Jail Escape Through Ceiling

An inmate already in custody for a probation violation is now facing additional charges after attempting to escape from the Crawford County Jail by crawling through the ceiling, authorities said.

Aaron Selby, 35, has been charged with escape or attempted escape from confinement and second-degree property damage following the April 17 incident at the county detention center.

According to the sheriff’s office, the attempt occurred around 3:23 p.m. as Selby was being moved from the general population area to a new cell in the booking area. As part of the transfer protocol, Selby was scanned for contraband using a body scanner. When an officer opened the door to the booking area, Selby bolted.

Officials say Selby ran behind the body scanner, climbed onto two mattresses, and jumped up into the ceiling crawl space. He then maneuvered through the ceiling over several secure areas, including the BAC hallway and the evidence room, before reaching the area above the jail's kitchen.

Multiple officers responded and were able to apprehend Selby approximately 23 minutes later, at 3:46 p.m. During the escape attempt, Selby allegedly caused damage to three drop-ceiling tiles.

Selby has been in custody since April 14 on a probation violation.