Armed Homeowners Helped Capture GA Fugitives Accused of Killing Guards in Escape
Two Georgia fugitives suspected of killing two corrections officers during their Tuesday escape from a prisoner transport bus were captured Thursday night by Tennessee authorities. Two armed homeowners aided in the capture.
June 16, 2017

Two Georgia fugitives suspected of killing prison guards during an escape were captured Thursday night with the aid of armed civilians. (Photo: TBI)
Two Georgia fugitives suspected of killing two corrections officers during their Tuesday escape from a prisoner transport bus were captured Thursday night by Tennessee authorities. Two armed homeowners aided in the capture.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Spokesperson Josh Devine credited law enforcement and citizens with the capture of Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose.
The TBI said Rowe and Dubose held a Shelbyville couple hostage between 2-5 p.m. They then stole the couple’s car and left. The couple called the police.
"Law enforcement was immediately able to start pursuing these individuals," Devine said.
Lt. Bill Miller with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said the chase ended on I-24 and lasted about 10 miles.
Miller said the suspects fired numerous rounds at officers during the chase before crashing near the 91-mile marker.
The inmates ran to a nearby home to attempt to steal another car. That's when armed homeowners stepped up. They held the two escapees at gunpoint until Rutherford County deputies could arrive and arrest them, ABC6 reports.
More Patrol
From the Show Floor: Traka
Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.
Read More →
Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium
Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.
Read More →
2026 US Police and Fire Championships to Unite First Responders in San Diego for 59th Annual Event
The 2026 US Police and Fire Championships, featuring more than 35 Olympic-style events and new competitions, will return to San Diego, California.
Read More →
FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends to Host Live Audience for National First Responders Day
In honor of National First Responders Day, FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends will host a live audience made up of first responders and their families. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel have been invited to attend the live program.
Read More →Sponsored•October 27, 2025
How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management
Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.
Read More →
Axon Ecosystem Advancements Connect Critical Moments of Public Safety Response
Last week, during IACP 2025, Axon unveiled what it called the next evolution of its connected public safety ecosystem. Key launches included Prepared by Axon, new Axon Assistant and Axon Air Drone as First Responder (DFR) capabilities, and Community Shield and Community Link.
Read More →When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →
Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?
The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.
Read More →
Streamlight Releases the Ultra-Thin Wedge SL
Streamlight has launched the Wedge SL, an ultra-thin, USB-C rechargeable light designed for users who want pocketable power.
Read More →More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor
Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.
Read More →
