Escape Attempt Foiled At Turney Center Industrial Complex

ONLY - The quick work of our Correctional Officers stopped an escape attempt at the Turney Center Industrial Complex.  During a routine count, officers found that inmate Arthur Milks #420714 had not returned from his prison work assignment.  At that time emergency procedures were activated and the facility was placed on temporary lockdown.  During the course of that investigation, it was determined that Milks was planning to escape from the facility.  Inmate Milks was discovered in an area near his work location (inmate food service area) attempting to conceal himself from staff.  It must be stressed that Milks did not escape from the secure facility.  This means no fences were breached during this attempt and he never left the secure area of the prison.

The exceptional work by our officers and the adherence to standard security protocols prevented this escape.  According to Commissioner Tony Parker, “Our team’s initial response when paired with their adherence to policy and procedures prevented this escape.  Their actions should be commended.  Although rare, incidents such as an attempted escape do occur in the correctional environment.  These officers epitomized the Department’s mission to operate safe and secure prisons and their work definitely enhanced public safety last night.”

Milks has an extensive criminal history including a 2010 escape attempt from a county facility.  He is currently serving sentences for multiple charges of felony theft, burglary and vandalism out Henderson, Wilson, Rutherford and Madison Counties.  The Department’s Office of Investigation and Compliance is leading this investigation and will present the findings to the local District Attorney for prosecution.