WTSP Escape Attempt Foiled - Updated

HENNING – On Tuesday, December 15, 2015 quick work by TDOC Correction Officers prevented inmate Arturo Perez #00512736 from escaping from a secure facility.  While many details are being withheld as to not compromise the investigation, it must be noted that Perez did not escape from the secure facility.  This means that no fences were breached during this attempt and he never left the secure area of the prison.

Perez is serving an eight-year sentence out of Davidson County for attempted aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary. In addition he is serving a two-year sentence out of Sumner County for Reckless Endangerment.  This Sumner County sentence is running concurrently with the Davidson County sentence.

Although the inmate was contained within the facility, the Warden followed protocol in alerting local law enforcement.  West Tennessee State Penitentiary remains on lock down and the initial investigation has revealed there was a not a threat to the community. This investigation is ongoing. When appropriate, more information will be provided.