Kidnapping Suspect Spotted

Search Jail A large scale search is underway for a jail escapee and kidnapping suspect.

by Robert Blomquist

Published: Wed, August 20, 2008 - 9:47 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, August 21, 2008 - 2:25 pm CST

A "large scale search" is underway in Munson, Florida for a previously arrested kidnapping suspect, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. Ricky Spears was spotted around 5 O'Clock Wednesday evening north of Highway 4 in the Munson community. A large perimeter has been set up north of Highway 4, between Munson Highway and Belandville Road. The Sheriff's Office is searching for him with the help of K-9 teams from the State Prison, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office helicopter, and other assisting agencies including Milton Police. Authorities believe they found a campsite used by Spears in the woods of that area. The campsite has tarps set up for shelter and other items necessary for survival.

Forty-three year-old Ricky Spears escaped the Santa Rosa County Jail in Milton on the night July 26th. Since then he has been on the run and a $2,500 reward has been offered by the Sheriff's Office for information that helps find Spears as well as another inmate he escaped with. Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Scott Haines says "the search will continue until resources, traces and leads are exhausted."

Spears father, Dwight Spears, was arrested this afternoon for charges of Aiding an Escapee. According to Haines evidence clearly showed that the elder Spears has been aiding his son since the time of Ricky Spears' escape. Dwight Spears is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond.