A manhunt is underway in and around Henderson after two inmates broke out of the Vance County Detention Center on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and took off into the community, authorities said. Deputies have labeled the pair “armed and dangerous” and are warning residents to keep their distance and call in tips instead of trying to play hero.
The escapees have been identified as 33-year-old Michael Miles and 21-year-old Lishawn Knott. A be-on-the-lookout alert has been pushed to neighboring counties as officers try to track the men down.
Who Authorities Say Escaped
According to CBS17, deputies confirmed the identities of Miles and Knott and said they fled the detention center Wednesday afternoon.
CBS17 reported that Miles had been arrested in early May in connection with a drug investigation and is a convicted felon on probation. Earlier in May, multi-agency searches in Vance County turned up suspected heroin and fentanyl, although authorities have not publicly linked those seizures to Wednesday’s escape; WPTF has background on those earlier raids.
Where Authorities Are Focusing The Search
According to the Vance County Sheriff's Office, the breakout happened at the county detention center at 516 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. Anyone who sees the men or has information on their whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (252) 738-2200.
Warren County authorities have also issued a be-on-the-lookout alert and advised residents there to use their non-emergency line at (252) 257-3456 for non-urgent information. Officials in both counties are stressing that anyone with immediate or urgent information should call 911 and avoid approaching the suspects.
Background On The Suspects
Local reporting shows that Knott was arrested in March after Henderson police investigated a reported firearm discharge, and federal detainers were later placed on him, according to WIZS.
Officials have described Miles as a convicted felon on probation, though deputies have not released the full list of charges he faced when he escaped from custody. Investigators have also not yet said whether the men were armed at the time of the breakout or explained how they got out of the facility, leaving key details of the escape still under wraps.
Legal Implications
Escaping custody and aiding an escape are criminal offenses under North Carolina law and can carry felony penalties, and state statutes also include crimes related to assisting escapes and conduct such as hostage-taking. The North Carolina General Assembly outlines those offenses and the potential penalties prosecutors may pursue.
What Neighbors Should Know
Authorities say more information will be released as the manhunt continues. Residents with surveillance video, tips, or sightings are urged to share that information with law enforcement and to leave any direct contact to trained officers.
This story will be updated as officials release additional details and when arrests or new charges are announced.
