Beardstown man flees after appearance in Pike County court, found 30 minutes later hiding under porch

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — A Beardstown man unsuccessfully tried to escape from an escort by a deputy with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.

Christopher A. Africh, 51, was ordered in custody on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 23 in lieu of a $6,000 bond during an appearance in criminal court at the Pike County Courthouse. As Africh was being escorted across the street to the Pike County Jail, he fled from the officer. 

Africh was found approximately 30 minutes later hiding under a porch in the 200 block of West Jefferson Street. 

Africh was escorted back to the Pike County Courthouse at 1 p.m., where he was charged with escape. Africh is lodged in the Pike County Jail in lieu of a $200,000 bond.