PCDC inmate escapes, recaptured same day
There is an old saying that you cannot outrun the long arm of the law. A Powell County inmate found that out the hard way over the weekend. Officials say that Bobby Noble took of while on work release, causing a manhunt.
But just a few hours later Noble was back behind bars after a chase on I-64 in Bath County. So much for getting away from it all.
Now two of his friends are also facing charges.
Noble was working at the Powell County Transfer Station, located just off of Turkey Knob which is on Highway 15 between Clay City and Stanton. Officials reported that they received the call at 10:20 a.m. Saturday morning.
Inmates on work release have been used at the transfer station for several years to help out and to assist the animal shelter if needed. After the escape state and nearby officials were notified to be on the look out for Noble.
Police were advised that Noble had jumped into a car, possibly with a woman. Officers surrounded a car in the Stanton Kroger parking lot just after 1 p.m. The car matched the description of the one Noble allegedly jumped into. However, it was not the vehicle they were looking for.
Meanwhile officers say that a Geo Tracker was stolen from the old go-kart track near the transfer station.
A few hours later Bath County law enforcement found the Tracker, matching the description of the stolen one, on I-64 and tried to stop it. However, the vehicle took off and after a short-lived chase, the car was pulled over. Officers found Noble inside and placed him under arrest.
The officer that started the pursuit in Bath County was former Clay City officer John Sutherland. Sutherland is now an officer in Owingsville.
Police believe Noble may have had a little help or at least coaxing.
According to Powell County Sheriff Danny Rogers, two women have been charged in the case. “They helped him (Noble) some,” Rogers said. “One was his girlfriend I think, but they were seen at the Boneal parking lot nearby. We found deodorant and body wash left in the tree line for him.”
Deputy Larry Hall arrested Felicia Noble, 27, of Stanton, left the items for Noble, police say. Whitney Stamper, 24, of Stanton, drove Felicia Noble to the area. Hall’s report said he found the items in the tree line near the entrance gate.
Both women have been charged with promoting contraband, since neither one actualy assisted in the escape.
Noble, who was serving time for a slew of charges including no operator’s license, no registration, no insurance, failure to wear a seatbelt and probation violation, now faces an escape charge in Powell County. In Bath County he will face 10 counts of wanton endangerment and a DUI charge.
There was no word on Noble’s bond or his next court appearance. Though he is expected be in Powell District Court later this week.