In Henderson, North Carolina, a significant manhunt is in progress following the escape of two convicted felons from the Vance County Detention Center. The fugitives, Michael ‘Mike Mike’ Lewis Miles, 33, and LiShawn Knott, 21, are considered ‘armed and dangerous’ by authorities.
The escape occurred around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, leaving local residents on edge. The detention center, located just four blocks north of downtown Henderson, has not disclosed how the inmates managed to escape. In response, a heavy police presence has been established in the surrounding neighborhoods, with officers conducting door-to-door inquiries and reviewing security footage.
Local resident Rudolph Bates expressed his shock at the situation, noting the involvement of both sheriff’s deputies and the FBI in the search efforts. Despite their efforts, no significant leads have been reported.
Both escapees have a history of violent crime. Miles was arrested on May 1 during a drug raid and has a previous federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Knott’s charges include involvement in a parking lot shootout, possession of a stolen vehicle, and drug-related offenses. He also has a 2023 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon.
Community Alert and Reward
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Henderson Police Department, is leading the search. Authorities are uncertain whether the pair is still together or has split up, prompting a call for local residents to check their home surveillance systems for any clues.
A reward of up to $40,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the escapees, with $20,000 allocated for each individual. Residents are urged not to approach the men if spotted and to contact law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 911 or reach out directly to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office or the Henderson/Vance CrimeStoppers hotline.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
