By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer
Two escaped inmates were arrested by members of the Williamsburg Police Department Saturday when the Millersburg Fire Chief’s vehicle they allegedly stole ran out of fuel in Whitley County.
According to Williamsburg Police Det. Wayne Bird, inmates Michael McDowell, 29, of Irvine, and Shane Carson, 33, of Nicholasville, were state prisoners who were supposed to be painting a fire truck Friday as part of a Bourbon County jail work release program. Instead, the pair allegedly took the Millersburg Fire Chief’s black Ford Bronco and escaped when their supervising officer was called away.
The vehicle was found abandoned near the 12-mile marker on Interstate 75 northbound at approximately 7:10 a.m. Saturday. A check on the vehicle showed it had been stolen, and authorities learned of the two men who had allegedly escaped from work detail.
Bird said extra units were sent out to canvas the Williamsburg area and checks were done of area businesses and residences.
“We felt like they were still in the city,” Bird said. “We had been told they were armed and dangerous. We just stayed on top of it, and it panned out.”
At around 10 a.m., Bird spotted the two men walking out of the woods and onto the shoulder of Interstate 75 near the Williamsburg bypass.
“Both of them were easily recognizable from the pictures we had,” he said.
Officers arrested the two without incident.
“It think they were wet, tired and hungry and they had nowhere else to go,” Bird said.
According to Bird, the two men said little in their police interview. Officers learned that the men took the alleged stolen vehicle to LaFollete, Tenn. and Estill County, but aren’t sure of the reason. The vehicle was left in the Williamsburg area because it had run out of gas.
“They had quite a journey,” Bird said.
The Associated Press reported that Carson was in jail for possession of a forged instrument and McDowell was charged with wanton endangerment. State police told the AP the two men will be charged with escape and theft.
Carson and McDowell weren’t the only work release inmates to escape from custody on Friday.
In Corbin, 28-year-old George Brewer of Artemus allegedly walked away from a work release project at Miller Park.
As of press time Sunday, Brewer was still at large.
He had been in the Whitley County Detention Center for two counts of receiving stolen property over $300.
Local News
Escaped inmates caught in Whitley
Pair found near I-75 in Williamsburg after stolen car ran out of gas
- Local News
-
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
With Barbourville saying “No” to alcohol sales by the drink and by the package Tuesday night, the attention now turns to Corbin’s vote just six days away — Tuesday, Feb. 14.
-
Whitley man missing since Monday
First responders and neighborhood volunteers will continue their search Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a Whitley County man who’s been missing for two days.
-
Former sheriff Hodge appears in Whitley County Circuit Court
Former Whitley County sheriff Lawrence Hodge appeared in Whitley Circuit Court Monday, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble.
-
Search underway for man in Whitley County - Online Exclusive
A ground search is currently underway in the Bee Creek area of Whitley County for a 63-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday, according to Woodbine Fire Department Chief Rick Fore.
Richard "Dick" Martin hasn't been seen since he left his house about 11:30 a.m. Monday. He was riding a red Honda ATV. -
Alcohol election underway in Barbourville
Just before noon today (Tuesday) about 500 Barbourville residents had voted in the local option election that will decide if alcohol can be sold in the city.
-
W’burg jewelry thieves arrested
Williamsburg men connected to at least 10 burglaries have been arrested, according to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell.
-
New temporary tag now on motorcycle market
A new temporary license tag for motorcycles was presented Monday to the owners of London’s Wildcat Harley-Davidson by Laurel County Clerk Dean Johnson.
-
Police search for stolen state truck
Police continued their search Monday night for a Kentucky Department of Transportation truck after the 2005 model white Chevy S-10 Blazer was stolen from the parking lot Sunday night near the Knox County Ambulance Service (EMS Station 2) office in East Corbin.
-
Animal ordinance to be discussed in London
In a meeting that lasted about an hour, the London City Council decided to have the animal ordinance it has been discussing for several months ready to be seriously considered at the March meeting.
-
B’ville alcohol vote is Tuesday
The first local option election in the Tri-County area will be held Tuesday at Barbourville’s Kentucky National Guard armory on Manchester Street.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
