The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the two missing inmates that went on the run after four total inmates escaped have been captured in Georgia after chasing them from Sevierville.
Inmates Adam Quinn Lethco and Matthew Robert Porter were taken into custody in Whitfield, Georgia Friday evening trying to escape in a stolen vehicle, according to JCSO Sheriff G.W. "Bud" McCoig.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol filled in the details of the events leading up to the capture.
According to the THP's preliminary report, the two had stolen a large flatbed equipment truck in Sevier County. The truck was equipped with GPS, and authorities were able to trace it on I-75 heading south through McMinn County.
THP coordinated with Bradley County and Hamilton County agencies to get into position to attempt and stop the truck around mile marker 16 on I-75 in Bradley County. The truck did not stop, and THP had to call in reinforcements.
A chase ensued, but THP said the suspects were not driving recklessly or at high speeds. Authorities continued chasing them past the Georgia border until Georgia law enforcement took over the pursuit and apprehended the suspects at mile marker 329 on I-75.
The sheriff’s office said the four inmates escaped from a work house on the 900 block of Industrial Park Road around 12:15 a.m. Friday. The inmates assaulted the deputies, took the keys to one to a JCSO vehicle and escaped, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.
The deputies were icing and wrapping the hand of an injured inmate at the time of the assault.
Deputies from Sevier and Jefferson counties took Jimmy Moore, 22, and Richard Lorenz, 26, into custody earlier. Both men are charged with aggravated assault on an officer and escape. Authorities are holding Moore and Lorenz in the Jefferson County Jail.
Lethco, 24, is serving an eight-year sentence for aggravated burglary, theft and vehicle theft.
Porter, 27, is serving a six-year sentence for reckless endangerment and evading arrest. He’s also wanted in Alabama on violation of probation, and is set to serve a 12-year sentence, according to JCSO.
Sevierville police responded to an armed robbery Friday morning at the EZ Stop at 851 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville. Police believe Lethco and Porter were the two involved in the robbery.
Before being apprehended, JCSO said Porter and Lethco were last seen in Sevier County around Highway 411 wearing white shirts, and black and white stripped pants.
Sevierville police said Porter and Lethco were to be considered armed and dangerous. There were extra officers present at schools on Friday morning for precaution.
1 of 4 Jail Escapees/Attempted Armed Robbery. Early this morning the SPD received a report from Jefferson County that several jail inmates
— Sevierville, TN P.D. (@SeviervillePD) December 16, 2016
2 of 4 had escaped and stolen a vehicle that may have had a gun inside. Just before 5:00AM this morning, officers responded to a reported
— Sevierville, TN P.D. (@SeviervillePD) December 16, 2016
3 of 4 attempted armed robbery at EZ Stop, 851 Dolly Parton Parkway. The two white male suspects in this incident are believed to be two
— Sevierville, TN P.D. (@SeviervillePD) December 16, 2016
4 of 4 jail escapees; neither captured. As precaution, extra officers present at schools. Suspects should be considered armed & dangerous.
— Sevierville, TN P.D. (@SeviervillePD) December 16, 2016