By Nicole June
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Law enforcement held another press conference Thursday, Oct. 4 to provide updates about the Kirby Wallace manhunt as it enters day 6. Wallace, 53, is the suspect in two murders.
Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson said law enforcement is focusing on a tightened perimeter surrounding the 4000 block of Poplar Springs Rd. after possible sightings of Wallace in that area.
In addition to the reported sighting early Wednesday morning (around 12:41 a.m.), Fuson said ground and air units reported a possible sighting around 10 a.m. of a man in camouflage holding a long gun. He said the man disappeared into the wood line, so authorities have focused their efforts in that area.
“Keep your doors locked. Keep your eyes open and your ears listening,” Fuson said to the public.
During the press conference, Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett announced that the county government has added $10,000 to the award for information leading to Wallace’s arrest.
“This guy is a walking crime in progress and we’re all ready for this to end,” Durrett said.
On Thursday afternoon, five citizens who chose to remain anonymous called Mayor Durrett’s office to commit an additional $500 each for a total of $20,000 in reward money. The TBI contributed the initial $2,500, Governor Haslam’s office contributed $2,500, the US Marshal’s office contributed $2,500, Montgomery County Government contributed $10,000.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) spokesperson Sandra Brandon urged citizens living within the search area to review footage from security and trail cameras and report any findings to law enforcement. Anyone who feels uncomfortable checking a trail camera can call 911 for assistance.
Stewart County Sheriff Frankie Gray, Doug Catellier from the GIS Center, and Jimmie Edwards – Director of Emergency Services stressed that the terrain in the area is very difficult for search teams to maneuver. The GIS center has been providing topographical maps for those on the ground.
Edwards said emergency service personnel, including tactically trained paramedics, are assisting with the search. He said several individuals have been treated for dehydration and heat-related exhaustion as the heat index remains in the upper 90s. At least one person was transported from the scene by ambulance due to a heat-related incident, but that person is in stable condition.
Brian Hitchcock, Director of the local 911 center, said the agency has received at least 400 tips to date related to the manhunt. He said each one is taken seriously and is relayed to the command center stationed near the search area.
As of Thursday afternoon, MCSO is no longer in need of food donations. Check back on the MCSO Facebook page Friday for updated information.
MCSO spokesperson Sandra Brandon said authorities received a call Wednesday at 12:40 a.m. regarding a possible sighting of Wallace near the 4000 block of Polar Springs Rd. The caller heard his dogs barking and saw a man who may have been carrying a firearm try to enter his porch. He said the man then ran off into the woods.
Law enforcement responded to the area and set up a second search perimeter in the area. It is unclear at this time whether the person on the porch was Wallace, but authorities are working to confirm that information.
The wider, two-mile search perimeter established Tuesday is still in place with checkpoints and road closures, including the following intersections:
Poplar Springs Rd at Cumberland City Rd
Kirkland Rd at Lylewood Rd
Kirkland Rd at Bartee Rd
Bartee Rd at Wildcat Creek Rd
Riversbend Rd at Hayes Ridge Rd (both intersections)
Hayes Ridge Rd at Glen Holliday Rd
Seven Mile Ridge Rd at Hayes Ridge Rd
Officials stressed that anyone who has information can continue to provide tips to 1-800-TBI-FIND. Urgent calls or sightings should be made to 911. The public is NOT encouraged to approach or engage with Wallace, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities have still not released the identity of the victim shot and killed by Wallace Monday morning on Welker Road. Brandon said the investigation is ongoing and further information will not be released at this time.
Montgomery County Schools remain on lockout procedure, meaning all students are inside throughout the school day with staff securing property and outside doors remain locked.
Stewart County Schools are on soft lockdown until Wallace is captured. Soft lockdown creates a controlled environment, including locked and secured classrooms.
Law enforcement officers will continue to follow school buses in the impacted area while parents are urged to keep children inside until the bus arrives.
At least 24 agencies are in the Montgomery County and Stewart County areas searching. The reward for information leading to Wallace’s arrest is up to $17,500.