A manhunt is underway in central Alabama following the escape of four inmates from a correctional facility early Saturday morning, raising concerns about public safety in Perry County and surrounding areas.
The Perry County Sheriff’s Office reported that four men fled from the Perry County Correctional PREP Center in Uniontown, Alabama. Law enforcement agencies received notification of the escape at approximately 1 a.m. local time Saturday.
Sheriff Roy Fikes identified the escapees as Marquavious Billingsley, Jaden Christopher Maxwell, Johnny Dave Harris Bush Jr., and Kevin Gunn. All four men are residents of Dallas County, Alabama, and were housed at the Perry County facility under an intergovernmental agreement with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.
The PREP Center, which stands for Parole and Probation Reentry Education and Employment Program Center, serves as a transitional facility for inmates preparing to reenter society. However, the nature of the charges against these four men underscores the serious threat their escape poses to the community.
According to the sheriff’s office, the escapees face a range of serious criminal charges. These include murder, first-degree robbery, breaking and entering vehicles, first-degree escape, first-degree assault, and promoting prison contraband. The combination of violent offenses and the previous escape charge suggests a pattern of dangerous behavior and disregard for the law.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding how the four men managed to escape from the facility. The circumstances surrounding the breach remain under investigation as law enforcement officials work to piece together the events that allowed the inmates to flee custody.
Sheriff Fikes emphasized that the safety of Perry County residents remains the paramount concern. In a statement released by his office, the sheriff confirmed that deputies and multiple assisting agencies are actively engaged in efforts to locate and apprehend the fugitives. An investigation into the escape is currently underway.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to exercise caution. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of any of the four escapees should immediately contact 911. Authorities have issued a clear warning to residents: do not attempt to approach or apprehend these individuals under any circumstances.
The escape highlights ongoing challenges facing correctional facilities across the nation, particularly those housing inmates with violent criminal histories. Questions will undoubtedly arise about security protocols at the PREP Center and whether adequate measures were in place to prevent such an incident.
As the search continues, residents of Perry County and neighboring areas remain on alert. The coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this situation. The public can expect updates as the investigation progresses and as efforts to locate these four dangerous individuals continue.
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