1 Iron Co. inmate escapee caught; $5K reward offered for 2 other escapees

IRON COUNTY, Mo. (KFVS) - Tracy Brown, one of three inmates that escaped from the Iron County Jail in Ironton, was caught in New Mexico.

Authorities said Brown and his girlfriend, Diana Thomas, were seen at a gas station in Carrizozo, New Mexico.

Members of SWIFT and New Mexico State Police arrested Brown and Thomas.

Brown and Thomas told SWIFT that the other two escaped inmates, Dwight Abernathie and Samuel Gilliam, had driven to Denver Co., but they split up shortly after.

Brown was originally in custody on a burglary charge.

Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information on the remaining two escaped inmates.

Dwight Abernathie, 36, was described as 6-feet, 1-inch tall and has blue eyes with red hair.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants.

Abernathie is was in custody on an assault charge.

Samuel Gillam, 35, was described as 5-feet, 6-inches tall with blue eyes and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and striped pants.

Gilliam was in custody on a kidnapping charge.

If spotted, police say to not approach them, contact your local law enforcement agency.

The escapees are known to be armed.

The United States Marshals Service is leading the investigation and search for the fugitives.

Tips can be called into the U.S. Marshals Tip Line at 1-800-336-0102 or 1-877-WANTED2. All tips will remain anonymous.

You can also contact the Iron County Sheriff’s Office at 573-546-4000.

According to police, Brown, Abernathie and Gilliam escaped from the Iron County Jail between 10 p.m. on January 15 and 7 a.m. on January 16.

The U.S. Marshals said the escapees allegedly moved a block wall to make their escape.

On Jan. 16, authorities followed more than 50 leads looking for the fugitives.

Authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant, keep doors locked and to report any suspicious activity they hear or see.

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