Nashville, Tennessee, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Phillip Russell Deason, a 66-year-old inmate, was recaptured by Nashville police after escaping from a job site in Huntsville, Alabama. His escape raised concerns about security measures for inmates working outside prison walls. Deason had been on the run for nearly two weeks before surrendering to authorities in Nashville without incident.
Nashville, Tennessee – Phillip Russell Deason, a 66-year-old inmate, was recaptured by the Metro Nashville Police Department on October 13 at 9:44 a.m. after being on the run for nearly two weeks. Deason had escaped from a job site in Huntsville, Alabama on September 30. Upon his recapture, he surrendered to authorities without incident.
At the time of his escape, Deason was serving a sentence for theft of property, having been sentenced on December 13, 1999, in Montgomery County. His escape was reported by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) on October 1, detailing that he had left his job location around 6 p.m. on September 30. Following his escape, ADOC issued a request for information from the public regarding Deason’s whereabouts.
Described as being approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, Deason was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue and white shirt, and a ball cap. His recapture in Nashville concludes a brief but noticeable period of evasion, marking another incident of inmate escape from assigned job sites.
The 66-year-old’s recapture has raised discussions about the security measures in place for inmates who are assigned to work at external job sites, prompting authorities to review protocols to prevent such escapes in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by correctional facilities in managing inmate populations, particularly those allowed to work outside of prison walls. The review of security measures may lead to more stringent guidelines for inmate job assignments, ensuring the safety of the public and the integrity of the justice system.
As the investigation follows through on this escape, the ADOC continues to emphasize the importance of community vigilance in such situations and encourages citizens to remain informed and observant.
FAQ
When was Phillip Russell Deason recaptured?
Phillip Russell Deason was recaptured on October 13 at 9:44 a.m.
How long was Deason on the run?
Deason was on the run for nearly two weeks.
What was Phillip Russell Deason serving a sentence for?
He was serving a sentence for theft of property.
When was Deason’s original sentencing date?
His original sentencing date was on December 13, 1999.
Where did Deason escape from?
Deason escaped from a job site in Huntsville, Alabama.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate Name | Phillip Russell Deason |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Recapture Date | October 13, 2023 |
| Escape Duration | Nearly two weeks |
| Original Sentence | Theft of property |
| Original Sentencing Date | December 13, 1999 |
| Escape Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Last Seen Attire | Blue jeans, blue and white shirt, ball cap |
| Physical Description | 5 feet 6 inches tall, 180 pounds |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huntsville Community Holds Vigil for Cherished Residents
Former Police Chief’s Audacious Prison Escape
Trio of Escaped Inmates Recaptured in New Orleans Jailbreak
Major Jail Break in New Orleans: 7 Escapees Captured
Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- WAAY TV
- WSMV News
- WBBJ TV
- Rocket City Now
- Wikipedia: Prison Escape
- Google Search: inmate escape Huntsville
- Google Scholar: inmate escape security measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: inmate escape
- Google News: inmate recaptured Tennessee

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


