KSP on lookout for men who escaped through AC vent
PAINTSVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville is investigating an escape by two men from the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. Early this morning two inmates escaped from the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. It appears that the two men escaped in the early morning hours of Monday, November 1, 2016 through the ductwork within the detention center.
The initial investigation revealed that Justin Arnett, 25 and Melvin Garland, 31 were both from Salyersville. Arnett is described as a white male, 5’7″ tall and 145 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. Garland is described as a white male 6 foot tall and 175 pounds with blond hair and green eyes.
Anyone with information is that could help the investigation is encouraged to call their local law enforcement or KSP post 9.
Big Sandy Detention Center Administrator F.D. “Pete” Fitzpatrick issues press release on escaped prisoners:
Two inmates escaped from the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center yesterday 11-1-16, after assessing a service door in the ceiling of their cell and then proceeding to the roof and removing the ductwork from the air conditioning unit.
Based on video surveillance recording, inmates Melvin Scott Garland and Justin M Arnett escaped around 1:30 AM yesterday morning.
Melvin Scott Garland, 31 of Royalton Kentucky was being held on a bench warrant for failure to make restitution for Burglary 3rd from Magoffin County. Garland was sentenced 10-24-16 to 10 years in Morgan County Circuit Court for Burglary 3rd degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd, Persistent Felony Offender 1st and Theft by Unlawful Taking $500 or more but under $10,000. He also had a warrant for Receiving Stolen Property under $500 from Magoffin County, and a bench warrant for failure to pay as ordered on Possession of Marijuana from Morgan County.
Justin M Arnett, age 25 of Salyersville Kentucky was being held on an indictment warrant for Public Intoxication, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st offense and promoting contraband 1st from Perry County, and an indictment warrant for Promoting Contraband 1st and Persistent Felony Offender II from Johnson County and a bench warrant for Alcohol Intoxication in a Public place 1st and 2nd offense from Magoffin Co.
The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center is currently on lockdown after the escape. Escape protocol procedures were implemented last night after the escape was verified by video surveillance. As of 9:12 AM this date the inmates have not been apprehended. Anyone with information as to their whereabouts is asked to notify the Kentucky State Police Post 9 or local law enforcement.
