Scott County Jail Escapee Captured

Huntsville, TN (2011-07-16) A Campbell County man that had been on the lam since escaping from the Scott County Jail on Thursday was captured Saturday night in the Helenwood community.

Patrick L. Chitwood, 31, of Lafollette was taken into custody without incident Saturday night by a multi-jurisdiction law enforcement force, including a man-tracking team from Morgan County Correctional Complex.

According to Scott County Sheriff Mike Cross, Chitwood was captured in a densely wooded area just off Scott Highway around 11:30 p.m. Saturday night. Since Chitwood scaled the chain-link fence at the recreational yard at the Scott County Jail around 4:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon, Chitwood had been the subject of a round-the-clock man hunt.

A three-man tracking team from the Morgan County Correctional Complex supported by teams of deputies from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department spent hours scouring the woods from Chitwood. “For three days, we tracked him up and down the river,” commented Cross. Chitwood reportedly transgressed the area between Winona and New River Bridge multiple times, all the while being “hounded” relentlessly by law enforcement.

While sure determination and perseverance ultimately led to Chitwood’s capture, numerous tips from the general public aided law enforcement officers. “(While Chitwood was on the lam), we received numerous tips regarding his whereabouts,” added Cross. The tips were reportedly facilitated by dissemination of information regarding Chitwood by media outlets.

When captured, Chitwood was reportedly suffering from a severe laceration to his hand, along with other cuts and abrasions. Chitwood likely sustained many of the cuts when he climbed through razor wire at the top of the jail house fence. The Scott County Ambulance Service treated Chitwood on the scene, and later transported him to St. Mary’s Medical Center of Scott County. At the hospital, he reportedly received care for his injuries, including stitches.

Chitwood was then transported to the Scott County Jail, where he’s being held under tight security.

While commending his officers for an outstanding job in bringing Chitwood in, Sheriff Cross especially thanked the tracking team from Morgan County. “Their assistance was invaluable,” remarked Sheriff Cross. Cross attributed Chitwood’s capture to the relentless pursuit by law enforcement officers, which centered on the tracking team.