Bachelder was serving a 10-year sentence for second degree burglary and receiving stolen property, over $300, however he was eligible for parole in January 2010.
Hatter was sentenced to eight years in prison for two counts of third degree burglary, two counts of theft by unlawful taking and second degree unlawful transaction with a minor. He would have been up for parole in October.
Bell County Sheriff’s Department reported that the two escaped prisoners allegedly fled to Deborah Lynn Coal Company in Rock House Branch on Highway 74 and stole a vehicle from a coal company employee.
Bachelder and Hatter are believed to be traveling in a maroon, 1993 Chevy Blazer with Kentucky tag number 053-JVV. The Blazer’s passenger front fender is black.
Bell County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy David Cornelius said that footage from the Cumberland Gap Tunnel’s surveillance equipment showed the stolen Blazer traveling through the tunnel early Tuesday morning. There is a great possibility that the escapees have already fled the state of Kentucky.
Deputies Cornelius and Kyle Dunn are investigating the stolen vehicle while all local law enforcement agencies have been notified of Bachelder and Hatter’s escape. They are currently still searching for the suspects.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts are urged to contact Bell Co. Sheriff’s Department at (606) 337-3102, Kentucky State Police at (606) 573-3131 or Bell Co. Forestry Camp at (606) 337-7065.
Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.
Ya think, Dinozzo??
I'd say that if their vehicle was spotted going through the tunnel Tuesday morning, there's a dang good chance they've left Kentucky.
I guess when they find them they will get to go to Eddieville or lagrange and see what a real prison is like and meet some hard time pppcriminals and then they will wish they were back here
Boys you did'nt know how good you had it