Local sighting Texas escapees proves false

Monday, January 8th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The manhunt for seven Texas prison escapees from Texas makes its way to Green Country. Authorities searched for hours last night for the group in Okmulgee County. A local resident alerted police he might have seen the escapees in the area. They had been featured on the television show "America's Most Wanted". The prisoners overpowered 11 prison guards, stole weapons, and money and drove off in a prison vehicle.

The local search began when a resident thought he saw the fugitives run from a broken down car with Texas plates. â€œAt this time, all indications are that this is not the escapees out of Texas, and the manhunt is being called off,â€ said Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman Lieutenant Ron Davis.
â€œThe report that the vehicleâ€™s owner had sold it to someone in the Tulsa area, that has been confirmed.â€

The last time the inmates were spotted was on Christmas Eve. That's when they allegedly shot, and killed officer Aubrey Hawkins after robbing a Dallas sporting goods store. The escapees were originally being held on charges ranging from murder, to robbery, rape and burglary.