Today's Jail Escapees Include Suspect Who Shot Police Officer

By Chad Garrison on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 9:48 am

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Vernon Collins (left) and David White slipped out of their prison jumpsuits before leaving the Justice Center.

Two inmates escaped from the St. Louis Justice Center around 7 a.m. today. One of the inmates, Vernon Collins, made headlines last month when he allegedly stabbed a victim and then wrestled a gun away from a St. Louis police officer and shot him.

Police describe the inmates as:

Vernon Collins, 34, standing 6'1" and weighing 170 pounds. Collins is being held on charges of first-degree assault on a law officer, armed-criminal action, first-degree assault, resisting arrest and disarming a peace or correctional officer.
David White, 33, standing 6'2" and weighing 180 pounds. He's being held on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree property damage.

The men were believed to be wearing white T-shirts and shorts and white tennis shoes when they made their escape. Anyone who sees and/or has information about the suspects are encouraged to call 911.

The Justice Center, at 200 Tucker Avenue in downtown, is operated by the city's Department of Public Safety.