WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WGNS) - A manhunt in southeastern Kentucky ended Monday night when Kentucky State Police captured 42-year-old Charles Blake Randle (Picture Above Article), who authorities say escaped from the Whitley County Detention Center after corrections officers were assaulted. Randle was taken into custody around 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, roughly 22 hours after the escape was reported.
The incident unfolded late Sunday when corrections officers were conducting a routine cell check. Whitley County Jailer Jason Wilson told local media that three inmates came out of a cell and an altercation followed, leaving three corrections officers injured. Randle allegedly escaped during the incident and fled into nearby woods, prompting a large-scale search involving K-9 teams, aviation resources and multiple law enforcement agencies. Williamsburg Independent Schools also closed Monday as a precaution.
Randle was reportedly captured near the intersection of Highway 2792 and KY 92 West, about a mile from the detention center, without further incident. He had already been jailed on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and incest. Kentucky State Police say Randle now faces additional charges of first-degree escape, first-degree assault of a police officer and attempted murder. Authorities have not released further details explaining the circumstances behind the attempted murder charge.
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