Escaped inmate charged with attempted murder, search ongoing

MASON COUNTY, Ky. – A search remains ongoing Friday for an escaped inmate believed to be in Mason County.

On Friday, Sept. 19, trooper Zach Haney, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police Post 8, confirmed troopers are still assisting with a search for 48-year-old Jerry Lee Cooper, who escaped from the Brown County Adult Detention Center in Ohio.

Cooper, along with 51-year-old Roy Gene Butler, escaped Monday night, authorities say.

Since then, Butler has been captured as of Tuesday, Haney says.

Cooper remains at large. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office stated Friday that it believes Cooper is contained to a large wooded area off of Lee’s Creek Road as of approximately 10 a.m. this morning.

“Deputies and law enforcement have been out for close to 75 hours around the clock and away from their families working to apprehend him.
At this time, we believe Jerry Cooper presents a major threat to law enforcement and is armed with a rifle. These woods are extremely dense and difficult to navigate. All available resources at the state and federal level have been asked for assistance. We will not cease until he is found,” the sheriff’s office stated Friday.

Cooper faces charges of attempted murder, assault and gun charges. The Maysville Police Department says Cooper is “potentially armed and dangerous.”

If you see Cooper, call law enforcement immediately. Do not approach him or attempt to detain him. To reach KSP Post 8, contact 606-784-4127.

News 40 will provide additional updates as they are released.