Detainee escapes custody at Markham courthouse

MARKHAM, Ill. (WLS) -- Cook County sheriff's deputies are searching for a detainee who escaped custody at a south suburban courthouse Tuesday morning.

Vivian McGee, 31, slipped out of her handcuffs and left the staging area behind a courtroom at the District 6 Courthouse in Markham around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a statement from the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

McGee was at the court for a preliminary hearing on her pending cases, authorities said. She was charged Friday with retail theft and driving under the influence by the Harvey Police Department. Her bond was set at $10,000.

Sheriff's deputies continue to search for her, though a lockdown at the courthouse was lifted around 2 p.m.

McGee is not armed or dangerous and presents no risk to the public, the Cook County sheriff's office said. She has never been charged or convicted of a violent offense.