Henning, Tennessee. It has been confirmed that a prison inmate is on the run from the authorities. It’s also alleged that he is responsible for the murder of a corrections employee.
At this hour, efforts to locate Curtis Ray Watson remain ongoing. We have Agents on the ground and in the air, joining with partner agencies to pursue any leads that present.
If you see Watson, call 911. Do not approach. Stay vigilant! pic.twitter.com/GWVRJ36ZPo
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) August 8, 2019
The Tennessee Bureau of the Investigation has issued a blue alert for Curtis Ray Watson in response to his escape from West Tennessee State Penitentiary. A blue warning is issued only in the cases where TBI needs assistance from the public in the apprehending violent criminals who kill or seriously injured law enforcement officer in the line of duty. It uses the same structure as Amber alert to diffuse the information by directly sending alert to the phone and by featuring it on TDOT signs on roadways across the state.
UPDATE: We are releasing two of Curtis Watson’s previous mug shots from his TDOC incarceration, in case he altered the appearance of his facial hair after his escape yesterday.
If you see him, do not approach. Call 911.
Thanks for helping us to spread the word! pic.twitter.com/4EhBnEK9J6
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) August 8, 2019
TBI is currently in pursuit of any leads regarding Curtis’s escape. The department has also released two new pictures of Watson where he has no or minimal facial hair in case he has changed his appearance since his flight. According to officials, Watson was assigned to work as a farmworker in prison. The prison officials found Debra Johnson dead inside her home on prison grounds after which the prison was on lockdown, and an official inmate count was conducted. The count revealed Watson to be missing. It seems that he left prison grounds on a tractor which was found a mile away from the prison.
NEW PICTURES: Curtis Watson has a variety of tattoos across his body.
Please share to help us spread the word! pic.twitter.com/lFmizB7A8l
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) August 7, 2019
Authorities have launched a statewide man hand in pursuit of Watson. However, the search was greatly hindered by the torrential rain. Watson is 5 foot 11 inches and weighs around 180 pounds. The public is adviced not to approach him and to call the officials immediately if they spot him.
ADDITIONAL PICTURES: Here are more pictures of Curtis Watson's tattoos. He's considered extremely dangerous.
If you spot him, call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately! pic.twitter.com/S6NDOvOYQB
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) August 7, 2019