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Escaped Tennessee inmate Curtis Watson captured after five-day manhunt

Posted at 12:35 PM, Aug 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-11 12:43:48-04

HENNING, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations said escaped inmate Curtis Watson has been captured in Henning, Tennessee, after five days on the run.

On Sunday morning, Tennessee Department of Correction shared a photo showing Watson trespassing at a home in Henning.

Watson was seen dressed in camouflage bib overalls and a hat carrying a camp backpack.

He was seen on the property through the resident's outdoor home camera.

TDOC asked residents of Henning to be alert and vigilant.

Watson escaped from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary on August 7, his 44th birthday.

The inmate, described as extremely dangerous, is accused of strangling 64-year-old Debra Johnson, a longtime corrections official with TDOC who was found dead in her home on the prison grounds the morning of his escape.

Several agencies including TDOC, THP, FBI, US Marshal's, TBI and the ATF helped with the search.

Six deputies and two K-9s from Henry County are in Henning helping with the search for Watson.

This story was originally published by Caroline Sutton on WTVF .