Normal Operations Resume After WTSP Escape Attempt Foiled

HENNING - Normal operations have resumed at West Tennessee State Penitentiary following an escape attempt by inmate Arturo Perez #00512736.  While details are being withheld as to not compromise the investigation, it must be stressed that Perez did not escape from the secure facility.  This means no fences were breached during this attempt and he never left the secure area of the prison.

Quick work by TDOC corrections officers foiled the attempt and the Warden followed protocol in alerting local law enforcement.  The prison was placed on lockdown, but normal operations have since resumed.  The initial investigation has revealed there was not a threat to the community.  The investigation is ongoing and more information will be provided when appropriate.

Perez is serving an eight-year sentence out of Davidson County for attempted aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.  In addition, he is serving a two-year sentence out of Sumner County for reckless endangerment concurrently with the Davidson County sentence.