JAMESTOWN, Tenn. (WATE) — Inmates have escaped from the Fentress County jail and the Fentress County Sheriff’s Department and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently searching for them in Jamestown. The TBI has also announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to their arrest.
Authorities are searching for 22-year-old Casey Ridenour and 35-year-old Charles Kennedy. Two inmates escaped near the Highland Manor Winery and were last seen wearing orange pants and white t-shirts.
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Ridenour is described as 5’11, 154 pounds with brown hair, blue eyes and possibly wearing glasses. Kennedy is described as 6’4″, 145 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes, and also possibly wearing glasses.
The two inmates stole a correctional officer’s vehicle and were pursued by police traveling at speeds of around 130 MPH on Highway 127 bypass. The individuals left the vehicle on Delk Street and fled on foot. They were both last seen in the area of Tinchtown Road.
A command post has been set up at the Fentress County Airport.
Ridenour was charged with second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse after a body was pulled from the Little Emory River in December 2020.
Charles Kennedy, 35 
Casey Ridenour, 22
Officials say to not approach them if seen and call 911, the Fentress County Sheriff’s Department at 931-879-8142 or 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately.
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