CUMBERLAND GAP, Tenn. – The search for escaped inmate Larry Poore, who fled from the Claiborne County Jail over a week ago, continues to focus on the Cumberland Gap area, but authorities have yet to locate him.
Poore, who had been incarcerated on multiple theft and burglary charges, was serving as a trustee at the jail when he seized the opportunity to escape while on a work detail outside the facility. According to Jail Administrator Tim Shrout, while escapes are not entirely preventable, they remain a concern for law enforcement.
“Sometimes it is out of our control,” Shrout said. “At times when they see the opportunity and they take it. I mean that’s just the criminal mind.”
Poore, who had faced a pending charge that could have added four to six years to his sentence, is now expected to face an additional five years for his escape. Despite this, Shrout emphasized that authorities do not believe Poore poses a significant risk to the public.
“We do not feel that he is a risk to the community. The violent tendencies are not there,” Shrout added.
Since Poore’s escape, there have been no reported suspicious break-ins or burglaries in the area that would suggest his involvement, further leading authorities to believe he is not currently committing new crimes.
Poore’s escape has prompted increased vigilance, but law enforcement officials continue to assure the public that they do not believe he is dangerous. Nonetheless, authorities are urging residents to stay cautious and report any sightings of Poore immediately.
If anyone spots Poore, they are advised not to approach him but to contact 911 immediately.
The search remains ongoing as law enforcement works to bring Poore back into custody and close the chapter on this high-profile escape case.
