Authorities say two fugitives captured in Evansville after an Alabama prison escape were heavily armed and had been staying at a local motel for a week. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding told local and national news outlets that escapee Casey White and the corrections officer who allegedly helped him escape were staying at the Motel 41, a short distance from the sheriff’s headquarters.
Wedding said they were trying to lay low:
"We don't believe they have any relatives, friends, or acquaintances in Evansville/ Vanderburgh County."
Wedding said an Evansville Police officer spotted the suspects’ car on Monday which led to a brief pursuit including U.S. Marshals:
"Members of the U.S Task Force basically rammed the vehicle and pushed it into a ditch. And we later found found out had they not done that, the fugitive was going to engage in a shootout with law enforcement."
Sheriff Wedding said officers recovered multiple guns and $29,000 from the car.
Authorities believe the former corrections officer, Vicky White, got the cash from the sale of property in Alabama.
They also believe she shot herself before police reached the wrecked car and later died.
Wedding said Casey White, who is not related to Vicky White, signed an extradition agreement and will be returned to Alabama.
No local charges are expected to be filed.