Kentucky inmate on the run for 4 minutes arrested near home, authorities say
A Kentucky inmate was on the run for about four minutes before he was recaptured by authorities on Monday, according to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
The inmate, 36-year-old Shane Cooney, of Monticello, had just made an appearance in Wayne County District Court for a burglary, theft and criminal mischief case before escaping custody. The sheriff’s office said he slipped out of one side of a leg restraint and fled while being taken back inside the jail.
All available officers were notified of Cooney’s escape at 3:01 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office. At 3:05 p.m., he was peacefully placed back into custody after a deputy found him walking in the woods by the Country Heights subdivision, which is close to the jail across Highway 90.
Cooney’s listed address is in the subdivision, and the deputy knew Cooney lived in the area, according to court documents. The deputy searched the woods by the subdivision and found Cooney walking toward his house.
Cooney is charged with second-degree escape, according to court records.
This story was originally published November 11, 2025 at 12:19 PM.
