By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Stewart County, Tenn.—With a credible sighting of Kirby Wallace overnight, the manhunt has moved to Stewart County this morning.
This is Day 7 of the manhunt for Wallace, who is accused of murder and arson in two violent home invasions in Stewart and Montgomery Counties.
Stewart County Sheriff Frankie Gray said early this morning that two bus routes in Stewart Co. are cancelled today due to the new perimeter set up on Hayes Ridge to Bartee Road. Gray cautioned everyone to “continue to be vigilant, doors and windows locked, and also keys out of the vehicle and locked.”
Credible sightings were reported overnight in the areas of Hayes Ridge Road and Wild Cat Creek Road in Stewart County.
The reward has now climbed to $20,000, with even more donations added from citizens after the $17,500 reward was announced during Thursday’s morning press conference.
The Cumberland City ferry will be closed today while the search for Wallace extends into Stewart Co. Meanwhile, Montgomery Co. Sheriff John Fuson said all roads in Montgomery Co. are now open.
Multiple agencies are assisting with the manhunt and Henry County Sheriff’s Captain Adam Jenkins told WENK/WTPR this morning that Sheriff Monte Belew and Sgt. Stacey Bostwick and his K9 Rowdy have been back at the manhunt scene since 1 a.m. this morning when reports of the sightings were reported.
Jenkins said local law enforcement do not need any more donations at this point. “That’s one thing you can say, there have been so many donations by people, we’re not needing any more right now. We really thank everyone for their support”.
Conditions for first responders involved in the manhunt are challenging, from the heat and the terrain. One first responder was treated at the hospital for heat-related illness and a few others have been injured by the terrain.
Wallace’s ‘heat signature’ was reportedly detected by personnel in the Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter.
Agencies involved in the search—including the FBI, TBI, TWRA, THP and other county sheriff’s departments—are today focusing on the new perimeter.
Law enforcement continues to stress that Wallace is armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If anyone sees him, they should call 911.
Photo: Henry Co. Cpl. Stacey Bostwick and his K9 Rowdy checking a cave for human scent, along with Deputy Jamie Myrick. (Photo courtesy of Stacey Bostwick).
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