Overview

• Richard Donta J. Cotton, 32, escaped from the Leighton Criminal Courthouse during a hearing on Monday, May 5, 2025, after being ordered into custody on weapons charges.
• Cotton fled the courtroom after requesting to hand personal items to a relative, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
• He was facing charges of Possession of a Weapon with a Previous Conviction and Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon/Vehicle with a Previous Conviction.
• Cook County Sheriff's Police, in coordination with the Chicago Police Department, have launched a manhunt and issued a warrant for Cotton's arrest.
• Authorities are appealing to the public for tips on Cotton’s whereabouts and have provided a contact number for information.