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Two Oklahoma prison escapees recaptured in Arkansas

Jeffery Walker, 22, and Terry Buckley, 27, who escaped Wednesday morning from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center, were taken into custody several hours later in Palestine, Ark., about 340 miles from McAlester.

BY JOHN YATES For The Oklahoman | Published: November 1, 2012

MCALESTER — Freedom was fleeting for two inmates who escaped from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center, but they managed to travel quite a distance before being taken back into custody in Arkansas, officials said.

Deputy Warden Kameron Harvanek said the inmates, who escaped from the minimum security facility Wednesday morning, were taken into custody in Palestine, Ark. The community is along Interstate 40 between Little Rock and Memphis, Tenn., about 340 miles from McAlester.

Pittsburg County Sheriff Joel Kerns said the two inmates were taken back into custody late Wednesday without incident.

Authorities identified the two as Jeffery Walker, 22, and Terry Buckley, 27. They had been serving time for convictions out of Tulsa County.

Warden Emma Watts said the two were seen running across West Street in McAlester at breakfast-time Wednesday, and were confirmed missing at a special count about 9 a.m.

An inmate who escaped last Friday, Alvin Boyer, 27, remains at large and is thought to be in Missouri, officials said.