Escaped Inmate Robey L. Butler Captured After Tense Two-Week Manhunt

Butler was apprehended near Kerr Lake in Oklahoma after allegedly kidnapping a victim and evading law enforcement.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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After nearly two weeks on the run that included a reported kidnapping and a multi-county search, escaped inmate Robey L. Butler was captured Monday morning near Keota, Oklahoma, bringing a tense manhunt to a safe conclusion. Butler, 36, had escaped from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester on February 18 and was serving a six-year sentence for child neglect.

Why it matters

The escape and subsequent manhunt for Butler raised concerns about public safety in the communities of eastern Oklahoma, prompting law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to coordinate a large-scale search effort. The case highlights the challenges correctional facilities face in preventing inmate escapes and the potential risks to the public when such incidents occur.

The details

After Butler's escape, authorities reported that he took a firearm and hijacked a vehicle about five miles north of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in Pittsburg County, driving away with a passenger still inside. He later abandoned the car and the kidnapped victim in Keota, then fled on foot and eventually discarded the gun. The hostage was later located safe. Search efforts intensified in eastern Haskell County, particularly around Red Hill and Keota, with multiple agencies assisting with ground searches, air support, and drone surveillance. Butler was ultimately apprehended from a small island near Keota, where authorities believe he had been staying for much of the time he was on the run.

  • On February 18, Butler escaped from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester.
  • On February 19, Butler allegedly hijacked a vehicle and kidnapped a passenger.
  • On March 2, Butler was captured near Kerr Lake in Keota, Oklahoma.

The players

Robey L. Butler

A 36-year-old inmate who escaped from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester, Oklahoma, and was later captured after a two-week manhunt.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC)

The state agency responsible for the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center, where Butler was incarcerated, and which led the search efforts to apprehend him.

Haskell County Sheriff Terry Garland

The sheriff whose office received a tip from a fisherman that led to Butler's capture near Kerr Lake.

ODOC Director Justin Farris

The director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections who praised the coordinated law enforcement response to the manhunt.

State Sen. Warren Hamilton

A Republican senator who commended the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement during the operation.

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What they’re saying

“Public safety requires teamwork, and I'm incredibly proud of our staff for diligently working to protect the public and for working together as one team. I'm also grateful to our partners who helped us search for and apprehend Butler without incident.”

— Justin Farris, ODOC Director (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

“The operation demonstrated the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement at all levels.”

— Warren Hamilton, State Senator (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

What’s next

Authorities said Butler will continue serving his original sentence while awaiting the filing of numerous new charges related to his escape and the alleged kidnapping.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges correctional facilities face in preventing inmate escapes and the potential risks to public safety when such incidents occur, underscoring the importance of strong coordination between law enforcement agencies at all levels to apprehend dangerous fugitives quickly and safely.