Kentucky Inmate Captured Just Four Minutes After Escaping Wayne County Jail, Officials Say

MONTICELLO, KENTUCKY — A 36-year-old inmate who briefly escaped from the Wayne County Jail was back in custody just four minutes later, according to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies identified the inmate as Shane Cooney of Monticello, who had just appeared in Wayne County District Court on charges of burglary, theft, and criminal mischief before making his short-lived attempt to flee.

Inmate Slipped Out of Restraints and Ran Toward Nearby Woods

Authorities said Cooney managed to slip out of one side of a leg restraint while being escorted back into the jail on Monday afternoon. He then bolted toward a nearby wooded area off Highway 90 near the Country Heights subdivision.

The sheriff’s office immediately notified all available officers of the escape at 3:01 p.m. By 3:05 p.m., Cooney was peacefully taken back into custody after a deputy spotted him walking through the woods close to his home.

Deputy Recognized Escapee’s Neighborhood

Court records show that Cooney’s listed address was in the same subdivision near the jail. Deputies familiar with the area quickly searched the woods and found him heading toward his residence.

Authorities confirmed that Cooney did not resist arrest and was safely returned to the Wayne County Jail.

Additional Charge Filed After Brief Escape

Following the incident, Cooney was formally charged with second-degree escape, adding to his list of existing charges from his ongoing criminal case.

Officials said the swift response from deputies prevented any broader public safety concerns and described the incident as a “controlled and rapidly resolved situation.”

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office continues to review security procedures at the jail to ensure similar escapes do not occur again. For updates on Kentucky crime and justice news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.