Escaped Inmate Wanted In Day Care Carjacking

By Steve Alexander Reporter

Woman dropping off her child returns to find her van stolen Escaped Inmate Wanted In Day Care Carjacking

Published: Mon, April 14, 2008 - 8:45 pm

Steve Alexander

Deputies in Escambia County, Florida say an escaped inmate stole a woman's van while she let her child off at a day care center.
Authorities say it happened at the Little Red School House day care center at 3785 East Olive Road.
Deputies are looking for 36 year old Patrick Ray Robinson.
They say he's an inmate who escaped Monday morning from a road work detail about two miles from the day care center.
Glenn Austin with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said, "A short time after (getting the report of the escape), there was a day care near there and it reported a car stolen. It turns out that the lady who parked her van in front of the day care center had taken her child inside to drop off, and when she came back out, the vehicle is gone. So one and one equals two. We believe he (Robinson) stole the van and took off."
Deputies say they don't know if the victim had left the keys in the van.
There's also no word from authorities on how Robinson was able to get away from his work detail.
Cindy Bailey's granddaughter goes to day care at The Little Red School House.
She was disturbed by the incident.
Bailey said, "You can't get enough protection, no matter where your kids are."
Joyce Powell, a parent, said, "You shouldn't leave your car running, but at the same time, you should be able to run in and run out."
Deputies say the stolen van is a 1999 White Ford Windstar.
The license plate number is Florida license plate H48 LST.
Authorities say Robinson is 5'6, weighs about 165 pounds, and has brown hair.