The search is on for a West Memphis man convicted of attempted murder, who prosecutors say caught a ride with a juror during a court recess, then took off befor...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The search is on for a West Memphis man convicted of attempted murder,who prosecutors say caught a ride with a juror during a court recess, then tookoff before he was sentenced.

32-year-old Madriekus Blakes was convicted of two counts ofattempted first-degree murder and four counts of committing a terroristic act.Prosecutors say Sept. 27, 2018, Blakes fired four shots at a man and his fatherwhile they were sitting in a parked truck at a South Avalon Flash Market inWest Memphis. Police said the two had been arguing over money Blakes claimedthe man owed him.

Investigators say Tuesday night before jury deliberations inBlakes’ trial were set to begin Wednesday, the defendant was seen leaving the CrittendenCounty courthouse in an orange Camaro. The next day, bailiffs saw the Camaroreturn and a juror get out of the car.

Prosecutors say the judge questioned the juror, who admitted todriving Blakes home, but said he and Blakes “did not talk about the case” duringthe trip. The juror was excused, and an alternate named as deliberations began.

During the deliberations, investigators say Blakes left thecourthouse walking along East Military Road. He did not return, and after about40 minutes, the jurors reached the verdicts, with a recommended 20 years inprison on each of the attempted murder counts and a $5,000 fine on theremaining counts.

The judge will officially sentence Blakes when he is recaptured.