HENNING, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) — Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is searching for an “extremely dangerous” man who escaped the West Tennessee State Penitentiary.
West TN State Penitentiary is located approximately two hours southwest of Nashville.
UPDATE: Here's a printable poster with additional details on Curtis Ray Watson. Thank you for joining us in staying vigilant in the search for this dangerous fugitive.https://t.co/kb0GqQJf7N pic.twitter.com/NKgHT71j2m
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) August 7, 2019
TBI said Curtis Ray Watson escaped from jail on his 44th birthday. He is also a person of interest in the murder of a Tennessee Department of Correction employee that occurred Wednesday.
He began his sentence for aggravated child abuse and especially aggravated kidnapping in August 2012 and was expected to be released May 2025.
This is the third time TBI has ever issued a Blue Alert, which are used to inform the public on violent suspects who kill or seriously harm law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
He has a long criminal history that includes tampering with government records, aggravated rape, violation of order of protection, and aggravated assault charges.
Watson is considered extremely dangerous. If you see him, call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.