FCSO recaptures escaped inmates
Franklin County, News, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
 By  María Camp Published 
6:01 pm Tuesday, July 27, 2021

FCSO recaptures escaped inmates

Two inmates, Timothy Kyle Sawyer, 29, and William Messer, 34, escaped from the Franklin County Jail Thursday at approximately 9:40 a.m. – but they weren’t gone long.

Sheriff’s investigators reported Sawyer and Messer were trustees, and they were cleaning some equipment. In the course of their work, they found an opportunity and took off running across a cow pasture south of the sheriff’s office.

FCSO agents outside reportedly saw the inmates run towards the fence, and they immediately notified the sheriff’s office. Authorities immediately began a search to recover Sawyer and Messer, according to investigators.

The escapees were quickly spotted, investigators said, and several deputies and investigators, as well as numerous ALEA agents – who were on site assisting with other investigations – activated to create a perimeter and box them in.

Three helicopters were in the air with 10 minutes of the escape being reported. The Russellville Police Department and Franklin County K9 units also assisted in the search.

In all, about 45 people responded to aid in recapturing the inmates, according to the FCSO.

Sheriff’s investigators reported the two were discovered hiding in a creek bed next to the rock quarry by MS Industries. They were apprehended by 1:45 p.m. and returned to custody at the Franklin County Jail.

FCSO investigators said the Franklin County Jail wishes to extend its appreciation for all of the assistance from surrounding agencies as well as the public.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *