Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

A 2011 escapee from Marion Adjustment Center in St. Mary was allegedly involved in an incident on Ivy Hill about 10 days ago.

According to Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas, Brandon Saylor, 29, of Harlan, went to a residence belonging to Fred Chasteen and took two firearms on Feb. 1.

“He got two weapons, a .22-caliber rifle and a shotgun,” said Thomas.

Thomas said Saylor is Chasteen’s stepson.

“This was not a random act, he knew where he was going,” said Thomas. “He knocked on the door and Amy Clem opened it. Saylor said ‘Hey where’s Fred at’ and forced his way in with a gun.”

Thomas said Saylor said Chasteen owed him money and then took the two weapons and fled. Amy Clem was at the residence when Saylor came to the door.

“She (Clem) said that he had a gun on him and forced his way in and took the rifle and the shotgun. Then she called us and he ran and hid,” said Thomas.

Thomas said a manhunt was conducted by Harlan City Police with assistance from the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office.

“The majority of our department and a good portion of the Harlan County Sheriff’s deputies searched the mountains for a couple of hours,” said Thomas. “He has a long history of running from the police. There are warrants and we are still searching for him.”

According to Kentucky Department of Corrections Public Affairs Officer Todd Henson, Saylor will face escape charges when he is caught.

“Saylor was classified as a minimum security inmate and was housed in the minimum security unit at the Marion Adjustment Center,” said Henson. “Inmates who escape from minimum security units are referred to as ‘walk-off’s’ because there is no fencing. However, they will face felony escape charges.”

Henson said Saylor escaped from the Marion Adjustment Center on March 25, 2011.

Saylor was serving a sentence in the Marion Adjustment Center for convictions of receiving stolen property (firearm), possession of firearm by a convicted felon, second-degree burglary, fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle) and first-degree wanton endangerment.

In addition to the escape charge, Saylor is wanted for theft by unlawful taking and fleeing and evading police.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens is investigating the incident.

In other police activity, Bobbie Carlisle, 26, of Baxter, was arrested by the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office on Friday on charges of receiving stolen property under $500 and receipt of a credit card in violation of KRS 434.570,434.610. Carlisle was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@civitasmedia.com