SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Two Inmates Being Sought After Escaping From the Santa Rosa County Jail

A massive search began late last night after two inmates were found to be unaccounted for at the Santa Rosa County Jail 2300 hour inmate head count. As soon as it was found that the inmates were not in their cell, the facility was immediately sealed off and a perimeter was set up surrounding the jail, as well as a further perimeter of the surrounding area.   Preliminary findings show that the inmates escaped through a pre-existing design flaw in the jail cell construction, which was not known to exist by Sheriff's Office personnel. The jail facility construction was completed in 1997 and the design flaw was not detectable by personnel until last night's escape. The inmates were able to access an opening (approximately 12 inches square) in the cell which led to a small and narrow water chase. Both inmates then gained access to the roof of the building and were able to drop down to the ground outside. The search, which included multiple K-9 teams, helicopters, and approximately 75 deputies, continued until daylight. Preliminary reports lead investigators to believe that the inmates had assistance in being picked up in a vehicle near the jail facility. Investigators and other Sheriff's Office specialized teams are continuing in the search for both inmates.

While the search continues, maintenance workers are aggressively inspecting and correcting any similar design flaws that may be present in other cells. Until all inspections and corrections are made, the inmates that were housed in the dorm in which the escape occurred are under lockdown in a separate area of the jail. Headcounts are also being conducted every fifteen minutes until all corrections are made to the substandard workmanship.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of the escaped inmates is asked to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office at 983-1190 or Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP. Anyone providing information through Crime Stoppers that leads to the apprehension of either suspect is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.00.Photographs of both escaped inmates are attached to this email. PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THE PICTURES OF THESE SUSPECTS IN ALL MEDIA SOURCES TO AID IN THERE AP PREHENSION. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ALL ASSISTANCE. PHOTOS OF BOTH SUSPECTS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL.

SUSPECT #1:

Ricky Dale Spears, W/M, 5'10" 160 lbs, 43 years old; last address was 13000 block of Munson Hwy, Munson, FL

AWAITING TRIAL FOR CHARGES INCLUDING KIDN AP PING AND AGGRAVATED BATTERY

SUSPECT #2:

DAVID CH AP ELL DIXON, W/M, 5'10", 160 lbs, 20 years old; last address was 4800 block of Lynn St. , Pace , FL

AWAITING TRIAL FOR CHARGES INCLUDING ARMED ROBBERY, AGGRAVATED BATTERY  AND ESCAPE

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net