LINCOLN COUNTY, Idaho – The escaped inmate out of Lincoln County Jail pulled a similar stunt in Whitman County back in 2010.
Ronald Alan Rutledge, 34, fled the Lincoln County Jail Friday while working in the kitchen around 8:30 a.m. Officials said he stole an employee's keys and when he took out the trash, stole her car and has been missing since.
He escaped Whitman County Jail the same way in November 2010, when he was outside doing yard work. Rutledge had 18 days left on his four-month burglary sentence when he took off. The only difference between that case and 2015's is that he turned himself in two days later.
Sheriff Wade Magers said the jail's superintendent decreed Rutledge would be allowed to work, but only inside the jail. He said that message was not passed on to the woman who allowed him to take out the trash. Lincoln County Jail officials said the facility has layers of security doors, but they are largely inside the building. They had one other, similar security breach when they allowed an inmate to work outside washing cars. He was caught shortly after fleeing.
Anyone who sees Rutledge is asked to call 911 as he is considered armed and dangerous. The Lincoln County Sheriff is asking people who live in the area to lock their doors, but they added Tuesday afternoon that he could be as far as Franklin or Stevens County.
Officials said they are working to ensure this does not happen again. After Rutledge's escape the jail had 17 inmates, but only employs ten deputies as both dispatch officers and jailers.
Lincoln Co. Sheriff's Office employees posted online around 12:20 p.m. Friday that a bus driver reported seeing Rutledge in Spokane County near Jacobs and Wood Road. Officials said Rutledge was last seen wearing a blue coat and a green beanie hat. Authorities said they set up a containment area of two square miles north of Reardan. Previously, authorities said he was last seen North of Bergeron, West of State Route 231, and South of Fisher Road.
Authorities said Rutledge ditched the stolen vehicle and near Highway 231 and Zeimentz Road. Rutledge then broke into a home and stole an ATV, according to authorities. Authorities said Rutledge also stole a rifle when he took the ATV. They said he later ditched that ATV and ran off on foot.
Rutledge was booked into the Lincoln Co. Jail on September 1 for burglary and auto theft. A SWAT-like team from the Department of Corrections said they were searching for him in the area.
Rutledge is described as 6 foot 2 inches tall, 203 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. Citizens are advised to remain observant and contact Lincoln County Sheriff's at 509-725-3501 or 911.
