Two felons broke out of a maximum-security Wisconsin prison, and nearby residents were urged to “lock your doors,” authorities said Thursday,
James Newman, 37, and Thomas Deering, 46, are inmates at the Columbia Correctional Facility in Portage, about 40 miles north of Madison, state prison records show.
@COSOWI
Report of inmate escape at Columbia Correctional Facility (CCI) please lock your doors, and stay home. See anyone suspicious call 911. This is an ongoing investigation. Both white males, James Robert Newman age 37 and Thomas E Deering age 46. pic.twitter.com/JCSeXLsvld— WI State Patrol (@wistatepatrol) April 16, 2020
“Report of inmate escape at Columbia Correctional Facility (CCI) please lock your doors, and stay home. See anyone suspicious call 911,” according to a statement by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
“These individuals are considered dangerous. Anyone that has information regarding the whereabouts of these escaped suspects should immediately call law enforcement.”
The escaped prisoners were believed to be headed south toward Madison, Portage police said.
Newman has firearm, kidnapping and theft convictions. Deering has been convicted for sexual assault, kidnapping and battery.
This is a developing story; refresh here for updates
David K. Li is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.
