QUINCY, Fla. (WCTV) - The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office called off its manhunt Monday afternoon for a suspect who escaped custody while in cuffs earlier that day, according to the sheriff’s office.

The manhunt for Cedric Butler began early Monday afternoon after deputies said he “was not in custody but reported to court on charges, just before running from the deputy upon transport after the judge remanded him to custody.”

Court records show he had a court hearing scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Deputies said he also reported to court on a possession of a controlled substance charge.

However, due to Butler’s escape, GCSO said it will issue a new warrant with a new charge of escape.

More on crime in our area

Butler’s escape also prompted the Gadsden County School District to place five school campuses under lockdown just before noon due to “a convict escaping from the courthouse,” the school district said.

However, the lockdown has been lifted, the sheriff’s office told WCTV around 1:30 p.m.

Before the manhunt was called off, GCSO said around 12:30 p.m. that Butler had last been seen in the area of Stewart and Key streets on foot, wearing black shorts with no shirt.

This is a developing story; keep checking back for more updates.

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.