Manhunt for escaped Tennessee inmate enters day three – NewsChannel5.com
Manhunt for escaped Tennessee inmate enters day three NewsChannel5.com
Curtis Ray Watson escaped from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning, Tennessee on Wednesday, prompting a Blue Alert. He’s accused of killing …
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The urgent search for an “extremely dangerous” escaped inmate in West Tennessee has entered its third day.
Curtis Ray Watson escaped from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning, Tennessee on Wednesday, prompting a Blue Alert. He’s accused of killing Tennessee Department of Correction Administrator Debra Johnson.
Read more: $52,500 reward offered for capture of escaped Tennessee inmate
Watson left prison grounds on a tractor, investigators said.
He was held in the minimum security part of the West Tennessee State Prison. NewsChannel 5 has learned that he was possibly a trustee, which means he had special privileges for being a trusted inmate.
Officers found the tractor about a mile and a half away from the prison, but no trace of Watson.
On Thursday, Governor Bill Lee urged Tennesseans to remain vigilant as the manhunt continues.
“This man is considered extremely dangerous and we need to find him,” Lee said during a press conference.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued three warrants for him: first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary and aggravated sexual battery.
A $52,500 reward has been offered for his capture. TBI Director David Rausch said “he could be anywhere,” including neighboring states.
The TBI released new photos taken at the prison, just before Watson apparently escaped on his 44th birthday.
He has family in Henry County, which is just a two-hour drive from Nashville.
Road blocks have been set up in Lauderdale County. Residents been asked to check trail cameras and any video surveillance for possible sightings and to check on neighbors. If you’re not comfortable checking around your property, you can call local law enforcement.
Watson has a long criminal history. If you see him, call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.
More stories:
Debra Johnson remembered as dedicated public servant to the people of Tennessee
TBI searching for ‘extremely dangerous’ man who escaped West Tennessee State Penitentiary
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