Escaped inmate captured at Lumberton motel, faces new charges after impersonation ploy

LUMBERTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- An escaped inmate in Robeson County is back in custody and facing additional charges.

Zion Britt, 26, of Lumberton, was found around 5 a.m. at the Motel 6 on Lackey Street in Lumberton, according to the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.

Britt was released from the Columbus County Detention Center on Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. after impersonating another inmate scheduled for release.

He has been returned to the Columbus Detention Center for safekeeping. Britt was originally arrested in connection with a 2021 homicide.

The Columbus County Sheriff's Office is investigating his escape.

Lumberton Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Fugitive Task Force also assisted with the capture.