Photo captured moments after #GAEscapedInmates were cuffed. The convicts shot at police, no injuries. Photos via @WKRN pic.twitter.com/Mq8tFNNmDU
— Parker Branton (@ParkerBranton) June 16, 2017
Ricky Dubose, 24, and Donnie Russel Rowe, 43, led police on a 3 day manhunt before they picked the wrong house to rob.
Dubose and Rowe were en route to Putnam County, Georgia when they overpowered the driver of their corrections bus. The two convicts disarmed an murdered two guards, Christopher Monica, 42, and Curtis Billue, 58, before escaping on Tuesday morning. Rowe was serving a sentence for aggravated assault and Dubose for armed robbery according to the Georgia DOC.
Last night the fugitives took refuge in the home of an elderly couple living just outside Shelbyville, Tennessee. The escaped convicts invaded the home around 2:30 PM on Thursday. They threatened to kill the couple while tying up the husband and holding a gun to his head. The criminals robbed the old couple of clothing, jewelry, and even their dinner of beef soup before fleeing in their victims’ vehicle. Authorities believe the heavily tattooed men stole long sleeve shirts to hide their identifiable markings.
The elderly couple, who were “extremely traumatized,” managed to free themselves and contact police. Sheriff’s deputies caught up to the convicts along I-24. Deputies chased them for approximately 10 miles the fugitives fired multiple gunshots at the law enforcement vehicles. Fortunately no one was injured.
Dubose and Rowe crashed their vehicle, left their (presumably empty) weapons behind, and fled on foot through a densely wooded area. The convicts found a nearby home and attempted to steal the car outside, but the armed homeowner intervened. With the help of a neighbor, the homeowner held the two men at gunpoint until police arrived a few minutes later.
Both men are in custody at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal released the following statement last night,
Two inmates who escaped from a Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) prisoner transport earlier this week were captured tonight in Tennessee following a high speed vehicle chase. During the June 13 transport, two correctional officers were fatally attacked.
Earlier tonight, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners in Tennessee, dangerous fugitives were captured and taken into custody,” said Deal. “Rest assured, justice will be served. My sincere thanks to our local, state and federal law enforcement officers who assisted in the manhunt. Because of their tireless efforts, the public is safe. The pain endured by the families and loved ones of Sergeant Christopher Monica and Sergeant Curtis Billue endures, however. We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service.”