ALAMO, TN – [March 25, 2026] – The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the escape of an inmate from the Crockett County Jail and has launched a manhunt to apprehend him. Suspect description and criminal history Gerald Pete Samples, a 59-year-old white male, escaped custody this morning. Samples is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 207 pounds, and was last seen wearing a brown shirt and brown pants. He was being held on a Circuit Court violation since August 9, 202

UPDATE (4:44 p.m.) — The Peoria County Sheriff’s deputy who was shot late Saturday night is in stable condition, the county’s top lawman said. Sheriff Chris Watkins, while resharing a post from the State’s Attorney’s Office, said Jack Evans was in “stable” condition, less than 48 hours after being shot several times. The statement came less than a hour after the alleged shooter, 51-year-old Larry Bell, appeared in court on multiple charges including attempted murder. “We are grateful for the coo