3 inmates in custody after escaping from Sumner County Jail

SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – Three inmates are now back in custody after escaping from the Sumner County Jail, officials announced on Saturday. 

Sumner County Mayor John Isbell told News 2 the inmates escaped from the jail on West Smith Street around 9:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29. 

The Gallatin Police Department identified the suspects as 40-year-old William Rutherford, 29-year-old Kenneth Campbell and 43-year-old Elvis Bush. 

Authorities said Bush was captured on Friday, March 1 in a subdivision near Meadowview and was returned to the Sumner County Jail. Bush was arrested on March 11, 2022, for mostly drug charges.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sent out an alert Friday evening stating that one of inmates  — identified as William Rutherford — was listed among the state’s “Most Wanted” fugitives. Authorities were offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.

According to jail records, Rutherford was arrested on July 5, 2023, for charges of attempted second-degree murder, felon in possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence.

On Saturday, March 2 the TBI announced Rutherford was taken into custody in Wilson County by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Lebanon Police Department.

Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department

Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department

The Lebanon Police Department said dispatch received a call from someone who said two individuals threatened him and forced him to drive from Gallatin to the Dollar General on 109 N.

Upon arrival, officers located William Rutherford and Kenneth Campbell. Both were taken into custody without incident, authorities said.

Before his escape, Campbell was on arrested on Oct. 11, 2023 for theft, felon in possession of a weapon, and numerous drug charges.

All three men are now back in custody. It remains unclear what additional charges they face at this time.