Yonathan Melaku, the former Marine reservist who taken into custody in connection to shootings at five military sites around Virginia last fall, reportedly attempted to escape from his cell last week.
According to NBC, authorities found a damaged cinder block in Melaku’s holding cell on Friday. The Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, where Melaku is being held, was subsequently placed on lockdown, however, it is not believed that Melaku was anywhere close to escaping. He’ll have two escape-related charges added to those he’s already facing.
In June, after arresting him outside Arlington National Cemetery, authorities discovered “strong evidence” linking Melaku to the shootings at his home. All of last fall’s shootings took place during hours when the military facilities were not open, and it is not believed that Melaku has any ties to terrorist organizations. Melaku was also charged with two counts of larceny unrelated to the shootings.