Kentucky State Police Intensify Search for Escaped Inmates Bradley Cornwell and Adam Ball from Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington; Escapees Believed to Be Armed and Dangerous After Water Truck-Assisted Getaway, Last Seen at Shell Station in Scott County; Public Alerted to Exercise Caution and Report Sightings”
Lexington, KY – November 4, 2024
In a developing and high-stakes manhunt, Kentucky State Police (KSP), along with multiple local and federal agencies, are in pursuit of two escaped inmates from the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington. The fugitives, identified as Bradley Cornwell, 40, and Adam E. Ball, 38, reportedly made their escape on Sunday, November 3, 2024, using a facility water truck to evade detection. Following their breakout, the pair was last spotted at a Shell gas station on Iron Works Pike, in the direction of Scott County, spurring intensified efforts by law enforcement to locate and apprehend them.
The escape has drawn widespread attention due to both the inmates’ prior criminal records and the unusual circumstances surrounding their getaway. The Blackburn Correctional Complex, a minimum-security facility, primarily houses non-violent offenders and those close to the end of their sentences. Cornwell and Ball’s escape raises serious questions about prison security protocols and the methods they used to bypass both physical and electronic security measures.
Details of the Escape and Initial Investigative Efforts
Preliminary investigations reveal that Cornwell and Ball, who had been incarcerated for various criminal offenses, devised an escape plan that took advantage of their assigned duties at the facility. According to officials, both men were likely involved in the prison’s work program, which allowed limited access to the grounds and gave them the opportunity to operate a water truck typically used for maintenance purposes. Authorities suspect the inmates waited for an opportune moment when security personnel were less vigilant, maneuvering the truck toward the complex’s perimeter, where they escaped through an entry point currently under review.
Kentucky Department of Corrections spokesperson Michelle Grant stated, “It’s clear that the escape was premeditated, and the individuals likely exploited gaps in security related to the vehicle’s use. We are conducting a thorough internal investigation to understand how they were able to access the vehicle and breach our perimeter undetected.”
Officials believe that Cornwell and Ball abandoned the truck shortly after exiting the complex and may have had a pre-arranged plan to secure transportation, though details remain unclear. Blackburn Correctional Complex, which does not operate with maximum-security protocols, has been heavily scrutinized following the incident, prompting inquiries into policy revisions regarding inmate work assignments and security.
Profiles of the Escapees: Bradley Cornwell and Adam Ball
Bradley E. Cornwell: Aged 40, Cornwell hails from Georgetown, Kentucky. He is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with a medium build weighing around 175 pounds. Cornwell has distinctive black hair and blue eyes, and during his last sighting, he wore a white t-shirt, gray sweatpants, white shoes, and a khaki hat. Cornwell’s criminal history includes charges related to burglary and theft, though he is not known to have been involved in violent crimes prior to his incarceration at Blackburn.
Adam E. Ball: At 38 years old, Ball is originally from Russell Springs, Kentucky. He stands taller than his counterpart at 6 feet 3 inches, weighing approximately 250 pounds, and is characterized by his blonde hair and blue eyes. Ball was last seen dressed in a full khaki jumpsuit and a matching khaki hat. Unlike Cornwell, Ball’s record is somewhat more complex, including charges related to fraud and possession of stolen property. However, like Cornwell, Ball was classified as a non-violent offender within the correctional system.
Both men were nearing the end of their sentences at Blackburn and were scheduled for potential parole hearings in the coming months. Their decision to flee suggests they may have been motivated by personal factors or concerns about reintegration, though authorities continue to investigate possible reasons for their sudden flight.
Last Known Sighting and Law Enforcement Response
The last verified sighting of Cornwell and Ball occurred at a Shell gas station on Iron Works Pike. Surveillance footage captured both men entering the station, purchasing drinks, and conversing briefly with a store attendant before exiting the premises. They were seen leaving on foot, though it is unclear whether they later acquired transportation or continued traveling on foot.
Scott County Sheriff’s Office, which has jurisdiction over the area, was immediately notified, and deputies were dispatched to the station. By the time law enforcement arrived, Cornwell and Ball had already left the vicinity, triggering a comprehensive search of surrounding neighborhoods, wooded areas, and local roadways.
KSP Trooper Aaron Johnson commented, “The fugitives may have managed to find someone willing to give them a ride or could have used ride-sharing services under false identities. We’re leaving no stone unturned and are coordinating with transportation services in the area.”
Since then, KSP has intensified its search efforts, deploying drones, canine units, and helicopters to assist in tracking down the escapees. Roadblocks and checkpoints have been established on major routes out of the area, with particular focus on backroads where the fugitives might attempt to evade detection.
Community Concerns and Public Safety Advisory
As news of the escape spreads, residents in Scott County and nearby areas have been advised to remain vigilant. Authorities have issued a stern warning, emphasizing that both Cornwell and Ball should be considered dangerous, and urging the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend them. Anyone who encounters the individuals or notices suspicious activity is encouraged to call 911 immediately.
“We urge the community to stay cautious,” said Scott County Sheriff Tim Henson. “While these individuals were not initially classified as violent offenders, desperation can lead to unpredictable behavior, especially when attempting to evade capture.”
Local schools have been placed on heightened alert, with additional security measures implemented to ensure student safety. Several schools in Scott and Fayette counties issued statements assuring parents of their commitment to student protection and detailed additional precautions, such as increased police presence around campuses.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Law Enforcement Collaboration
KSP’s search efforts are being supported by a task force that includes the U.S. Marshals Service, which has taken a keen interest in apprehending the escapees due to the interstate threat posed by their continued flight. If Cornwell and Ball are suspected to have crossed state lines, federal charges will be added, making their apprehension a priority for both state and federal law enforcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also closely monitoring the case, particularly in light of Ball’s history involving fraud, which raises concerns about the potential use of falsified identification or stolen credit cards to evade detection.
Agents are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and have reached out to local hotels, motels, and short-term rental services for records of recent check-ins matching the inmates’ descriptions.
Analysis of Prison Security Gaps and Potential Policy Changes
The Blackburn Correctional Complex, which operates as a minimum-security institution, is facing questions regarding security protocol effectiveness, particularly in relation to inmate labor programs. The facility’s administration has indicated that an internal audit will be conducted to examine existing protocols around vehicle access, security staffing, and the level of supervision provided during off-grounds assignments.
Experts in corrections have weighed in on the incident, highlighting that minimum-security facilities, while designed to rehabilitate and prepare inmates for reintegration, often operate with fewer restrictions, relying on behavioral assessments that can sometimes overlook escape risks.
“The model of low-security correctional complexes is built on a system of trust,” said Dr. Carla Rodriguez, a criminology professor at the University of Kentucky. “But this trust has limits, especially when there are gaps in oversight. There may be a need for increased staffing or advanced surveillance technology to monitor inmate activities and prevent similar incidents.”
Social Media, Public Engagement, and Law Enforcement’s Appeal for Assistance
As information about the escape circulates, social media platforms have become an essential tool for law enforcement in gathering tips and keeping the public informed. Kentucky State Police’s official accounts have been actively posting updates, sharing photographs of Cornwell and Ball, and using geotagging to highlight the areas under immediate focus.
Sheriff Henson urged the public to use social media responsibly, avoiding the spread of misinformation. “We appreciate the community’s vigilance and online engagement, but we ask that people refrain from speculation and stick to verified information from law enforcement sources,” he said. Local authorities are also encouraging the use of the hashtag #KYInmateEscape to aid in information sharing across networks.
Family and Community Impact
The escape has brought concerns to the families of both inmates, who reportedly did not have prior knowledge of their intentions to flee. Interviews with relatives have indicated a mix of worry and confusion, with some family members cooperating with law enforcement to provide insights into Cornwell and Ball’s possible motives or likely contacts.
“We didn’t expect this at all,” one relative said, requesting anonymity. “We were looking forward to seeing them back in the community, and now everything is so uncertain.”
In addition to family concerns, the escape has disrupted daily life in the surrounding counties, where residents have reported feelings of unease and are double-checking security measures, particularly in rural areas with limited law enforcement presence.
Next Steps in the Manhunt and Law Enforcement Coordination
As the search continues, KSP and allied agencies remain optimistic about the likelihood of a swift resolution, given the coordinated resources and technology being employed. Drones equipped with infrared sensors are being used to monitor areas where the fugitives might be hiding, while canine units are combing through forested regions along the suspected escape route.
Law enforcement officials have assured the public that every lead will be pursued, and are prepared to enact additional measures, including
