Murder suspect allegedly attempts jail break

Corrections officers find evidence of escape attempt in Abrams' cell

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff's Office reported that after corrections officers searched the Grant County Jail Tuesday they discovered possible evidence of an escape attempt by an inmate facing a 2004 murder charge.

Damage was found to an outer wall of the cell occupied by Dustin G. Abrams, the GCSO stated in a press release. Damage was also found to an inner wall of the cell providing access to plumbing for the cell.

Abrams is currently being held and awaiting trial on a first degree murder charge in connection with the shooting death of Michael Mallon in March of 2004.

The GCSO is forwarding information about the alleged escape attempt to Grant County Prosecutor John Knodell and is requesting that charges of second degree attempted escape and second degree malicious mischief be filed.

The damage, which may cost $1,000 to repair, was apparently done to obtain metal objects to be used to breach the outer cell wall, the GCSO stated.

Abrams is scheduled today for a suppression hearing to determine if statements he made to law enforcement officers will be admissible in his upcoming jury trial.

"The ethics of the legal profession prevent me from making any comment about this press release," said Attorney Alan White, who is Abrams' stand-by legal counsel. "An attorney shouldn't be making comments that could effect the potential jury pool."