A massive manhunt is underway after two Georgia inmates allegedly shot and killed two prison guards while being transported Tuesday morning near southeast Atlanta.
The two fugitives being sought at this time are 43-year-old Donnie Russell Rowe and 24-year-old Ricky Dubose, according to a tweet by the Georgia Department of Corrections.
The shootings happened at about 5:45 a.m. on GA 16 in Putnam County. Officials with the Putnam Sheriff’s Office say, about 30 inmates were aboard a prison bus when two of the inmates disarmed and overpowered both Baldwin State Prison Correction officers before fatally shooting them.
Many local area businesses have reportedly been placed on lock down. A command center has been established in the area as FBI, GBI and other agencies continue to search for the escapees.
Rowe is 6’1 and about 180 pounds and goes by the nickname “Whiskey”. Dubose is 6’1 and about 140 pounds. Records show both convicts have a violent history of offenses. Rowe was sentenced for aggravated assault and Dubose for armed robbery.
Authorities say the two are armed with the guards stolen .40-calliber Glock pistols and may be driving a stolen light green 2004 Honda Civic with a Georgia tag RBJ-6601. They also say the dangerous duo are believed to have broken into a home in Madison and dumped their prison clothes before fleeing again.
If you spot the fugitives, officials say, do not approach them. Instead call 911. A $60,000 reward is being offered for information leading to both inmates capture.
It is unclear which of the two suspects delivered the fatal shot.
We will bring you more details as this story develops.
