Authorities Seeking Inmate Who Escaped Custody

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – There is a $5,000 reward for information about an inmate who escaped right as a jury found him guilty of attempted second degree murder Thursday.

Police said Michael Henderson fought with deputies in the Hennepin County courtroom, then bolted out the door. A jury had just convicted Henderson of attempted second degree murder for an armed robbery back in March.

Police spread out across the Twin Cities Thursday night searching for Henderson.  A surveillance camera caught him as he fled down the stairs at the Hennepin County Courthouse.

"There was maybe 20 to 30 officers running around. Everyone just looked like there were on high alert," Daniel Quaile said.

Henderson was in court on the 16th floor, being tried for second degree attempted murder.

The Sheriff's Office says as the guilty verdict was being read, Henderson bolted, fought with deputies in the courtroom and escaped.

"I don't know how he could just run, run right out of a courtroom," Quaile said.

The search quickly moved to nearby HCMC.

The hospital was put on modified lockdown as officers with K-9's went in to do a systematic search. Dozens of people had to wait outside until the search was complete, including Gloria Lewis.

"They said there was an emergency going on and there were not letting people come into the hospital," Lewis said.

Court documents show earlier this year Henderson robbed a Bloomington Sam's Club where he had worked, and tried to shoot two people.

The report states, "Both Victims heard the gun click, but it did not fire. The Defendant pulled the trigger again, but it did not fire."

Quaile wonders how a man convicted for that crime could get away.

"It makes me question the government center here. How safe is it? It's supposed to be a safe zone," Quaile said.

The Sheriff's Office said Henderson should be considered dangerous. Don't approach him if you see him. Instead call 911 or the sheriff's office at 763-525-6216.