UPDATE 6:55PM, March 24:
An inmate worker was charged with felony escape after apparently walking away from a work detail Friday at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, reported investigating Detective Amanda McPherson.
Inmate Matthew Kennamer, 41, of Murfreesboro, was taken back into custody after a three-hour search by sheriff’s deputies and other emergency responders.
Patrol Lt. Will Holton said Kennamer was located at a home about two miles from the Sheriff’s Office on New Salem Highway and taken into custody.
“Through the investigation, we learned he was at a home,” Holton said. “Deputies set up a perimeter in the area. He surrendered.”
When learning Kennamer was missing, Incident Commander Cpl. William Travis said deputies, Murfreesboro Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officers immediately started searching for Kennamer.
Tennessee Highway Patrol’s helicopter pilot searched for Kennamer along with drones from the sheriff’s office and Rutherford County Fire Rescue.
K9s from the sheriff’s office and Murfreesboro Police did multiple tracks of Kennamer.
The Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh thanked the responding agencies for their help.
“Everybody did a great job,” Fitzhugh said.
Kennamer is being held without bond for his previous charge of felony violation of probation.
UPDATE: Inmate Matthew Kennamer is now back in custody.
Inmate who walked away from work duty is back in custody.
We thank everyone for their help in locating inmate Matthew Kennemer. pic.twitter.com/QqFUHEk9os
— RCTNSheriff (@RCTNSheriff) March 24, 2023
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office
Law enforcement officers are searching for a Rutherford County Adult Detention Center inmate worker who apparently walked away from a work detail Friday.
Inmate Matthew Kennamer, 41 of Murfreesboro was working on lawn care and was last seen about 1:15 p.m. at the detention center grounds at 940 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro.
Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh said deputies, Murfreesboro Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers are saturating the area around the detention center and by drone. A THP helicopter is searching as well.
“We don’t feel like the public is in danger,” Fitzhugh said.
Kennamer is believed wearing jeans. He left his orange shirt.
People should not try to approach Kennamer but immediately contact the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center at 615-898-7770.
Kennamer is serving time for violation of probation.
