The latest episode of History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman, tells the remarkable story of Quawntay Adams, a young African American man from South Central Los Angeles who found himself facing a lengthy prison sentence.
Determined to turn his life around and inspired by the prospect of fatherhood, Adams orchestrated a daring escape from his maximum-security cell.
Quawntay “Bosco” Adams was no stranger to the criminal justice system, having accumulated a significant list of prior convictions. At the time of his escape, he was serving a 35-year sentence for possession and intent to distribute marijuana. However, Adams’ plan for freedom was meticulously crafted and executed.
He began by making unmonitored phone calls from prison to arrange a meeting outside the gates upon his release. This was just the first step in a multi-step escape plan. Adams then acquired a hacksaw blade hidden inside a book, which he used to cut through the ceiling above his toilet, an area not monitored by surveillance cameras. He carefully concealed the hole with soap and toothpaste to avoid detection.
With stealth and precision, Adams climbed through the ventilation system, creating a decoy body in his bed using a smuggled uniform and water bottles to give the illusion of a sleeping person. He then used sheets to scale the prison wall and made his way to freedom, meeting an unsuspecting woman outside the prison walls.
Adams’ escape resembled a Hollywood movie plot, and his story quickly gained international attention. He went on to write a memoir, “Chasin’ Freedum,” which was adapted into a feature film titled “Bosco.” Adams also produced a documentary and has been actively working with non-profit organizations to advocate for non-violent drug offenders and at-risk youth.
However, his time on the run was brief. Adams was recaptured just six hours after his escape and faced additional consequences, including two years’ probation and a $100 fine.
History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman: Alton City Escape airs on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. on History.
