Prisoner Attempted to Escape Through Hospital Bathroom

A prisoner in the custody of Cumming police attempted to escape from a bathroom at Northside Forsyth Hospital at the end of last month, according to police.

Ernest Jay Sparks, 23 had been charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness when he was transported to the hospital on Sept. 30, Deputy Chief Alethia Barrett told Patch.

While at the hospital, Sparks asked the officer watching him to let him use the bathroom and was released from his handcuffs in order to do so.

After several minutes, the officer grew suspicious and had the hospital unlock the bathroom door, at which point the officer realized Sparks had gone out through the ceiling. Minutes later, a hospital worker discovered Sparks in another bathroom and he was re-arrested, Barrett said.

He was charged with escape prior to conviction and criminal damage second degree for damaging ceiling tiles, the frame for the ceiling tiles, and air ducts, Barrett said.

Sparks is now being held at the Forsyth County jail, records show.