Rutherford County Inmate back behind bars

RUTHERFORD COUNTY -- WNCTIMES reported the escape and search for inmate, James Pittman while on work release on Tuesday. Pittman was caught and is back behind bars. Below is the announcement of the capture of Pittman on the North Carolina Public Safety website.

RALEIGH

Aug 1, 2018

Rutherford Correctional Center minimum custody inmate James Pittman (#0559036), who was reported missing from his work release assignment in Marion on Tuesday, was captured on Wednesday in Lumberton at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Pittman was captured at a residence in Lumberton by members of the State Bureau of Investigation. A coordinated effort from the Department of Public Safety’s K9 unit, prison officials, McDowell County Sheriff's Department and the SBI led to the apprehension of Pittman.

Pittman, who was originally from Bladen County, was last seen near the intersection of U.S. 221 and Interstate 40 in Rutherford County at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Pittman, 45, has been incarcerated since 2014, serving time for several crimes including obtaining property by false pretenses and larceny of a motor vehicle. He was scheduled for release in May 2020.

Pittman has been moved to a higher custody facility and will face charges for his escape.