Neighbors on edge as police search for escaped inmates

MORGAN COUNTY, Ga. — Residents were on high alert Tuesday night as officers searched a rural neighborhood for two escaped inmates accused of killing two correctional officers.

Jim Pritchett said officers ended up at his doorstep in Madison and told his wife to stay inside and lock up.

"It's a little spooky, but it seems as though they seem to have moved out of the area," he said.

Authorities are searching for Donnie Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24. According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office the pair killed two correctional officers Tuesday morning.

[TIMELINE: Escaped inmates accused of shooting, killing 2 correctional officers]

The Sheriff's Office said the officers, identified as Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, were working on a prisoner transport bus on Georgia 16 around 6:45 a.m. when the inmates managed to break out of the locked area of the bus and overpower the officers.

The fugitives got away and stole a car. Authorities said they broke into a home in Madison before slipping away again.

"Most everybody out here has guns in the house, so really it's stay indoors, keep the doors locked," Pritchett said.

The Putnam County sheriff said the men are armed and dangerous. Authorities said Dubose is a member of the Ghost Face Gangsters.

"I don't care if they're a member of the First Presbyterian Church. What we're concerned with is apprehending these two people," Sheriff Howard Sills said.

[MANHUNT: 'Armed and dangerous' inmates accused of killing 2 officers]

Resident Karen Griffith said she was so concerned for her safety, she offered backup as officers secured her property.

"I did have my handgun in hand and we just walked and searched the buildings in the back," she said.

As authorities continue searching through the night, neighbors said they aren't taking any chances with safety.

"If they're not caught, then I may stay home in the morning until we see what's happened," Pritchett said.

The sheriff said he believes the men left the area and he doesn't think they split up.

Investigators followed tips from across the state, but did not find the fugitives. Detectives said Madison is the last place the men may have been seen. The search will continue throughout the night.

Cox Media Group