The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is currently conducting a large scale search operation in Munson looking for Ricky Spears. Spears is one of the escapees that broke out of the Santa Rosa County Jail.  Shortly before 5pm today, there was a confirmed sighting of Ricky Spears in the Munson community north of Highway 4.  Deputies immediatley responded to the area in large numbers and set up a large perimeter north of Highway 4, between Munson Highway and Belandville Road.  Sheriff's Office personnel are still searching at this time, along with K-9 teams from the State Prison, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office helicopter, and other assisting agencies including Milton Police Department.  There are approximately 40 deputies on scene, and approximately 6 K-9 teams.  K-9 officers tracked from the sighting area to a wooded area that disclosed a campsite believed to be that of Spears.  The campsite had shelter (tarps) and other items necessary for survival.  A command center has been set up at Highway 4 and Munson Hwy.  The search will continue until resources, tracks, and leads are exhausted.  Also, Dwight Spears (Father of Ricky Spears) was arrested this afternoon for charges of Aiding and Escapee after evidence clearly showed that he has been aiding Ricky Spears since the time of his escape.  He is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond.  Further releases will be sent as soon as more information becomes available.

The reward has been doubled.  The U. S. Marshal's office has now matched the Crime Stoppers Reward and it is $5,000 for each suspect, with a total of $10,000.  To be eligible for the Crime Stoppers Reward, the information must be submitted through Crime Stoppers.  The number is 437-STOP or www.srccs.com . The Marshal's reward is being issued seperately. Please put this out to the public in order to generate public interest! 

Dwight Spears