No Answers Yet To Explain Escape Of Peterson AFB Airman

UPDATE: Mullens was caught on Friday, April 20th. See the full story here

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Was he restrained? Did he break out of the vehicle, or escape during a stop at a restaurant? These are some of the unanswered questions in Wednesday’s escape of Herbert Mullens, 23, a senior airman at Peterson Air Force Base.

However, Peterson officials said Thursday they still are trying to answer those questions through a probe conducted by the Office of Special Investigations. After the probe is finished, officials plan to review the situation and decide if corrective measures are necessary.

Lt. Col. Joseph Musacchia, Peterson’s chief of security forces, said the two airmen assigned to escort Mullens to jail were not carrying weapons. He also said the decision on whether to carry arms or restrain a prisoner is made on an individual basis.

“(Mullens) was classified as a medium in-grade custody inmate,” said Musacchia. “All necessary and applicable procedures were followed. He’s not dangerous.”

Mullens is charged with DUI and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, among other charges.

When asked whether policy allows escorts to make unscheduled stops while transporting prisoners, Musacchia said, “Once again, that depends on the transfer. There are considerations that are taken in — emergencies, health and welfare, safety. Things of that nature, in a general sense.”

Musacchia said Mullens was being taken to the Teller County jail because Air Force installations generally do not have facilities for confining prisoners, and rely on contracts with local jails for that purpose.

Mullens’ escorts, said Musacchia, remain on duty pending the outcome of the investigation.