Authorities are currently searching for two inmates who escaped from the Bi State Jail in Texarkana during the early hours of July 7, 2023. The escape was discovered during a routine jail count, and subsequent surveillance footage confirmed that the inmates, identified as Wayde Burton Land and JC Lee Kirby, left the Bi State Building on foot, heading west towards Texas Boulevard. Both inmates were wearing street clothes at the time of their escape.
Wayde Burton Land, one of the escapees, has a history of fleeing from law enforcement. Land previously escaped from the Bowie County jail annex on the night of March 20 or early March 21, 2022. During that escape, Land and another inmate, Michael Olson, broke through cinder block walls, climbed along pipes, and exited through a hole they created in an exterior wall.
In the aftermath of their escape, Land and Olson were confronted by two Texarkana Arkansas Police Department officers near 210 East St. after a citizen recognized Olson and alerted the authorities. While Land complied with the officers' commands, Olson resisted arrest and attempted to flee. During the struggle, Olson gained control of one of the officer's guns. Recognizing the threat, the officer managed to eject the magazine and discharge the chambered round. Another officer fired a shot after Olson continued to disregard commands, resulting in Olson's death.
Wayde Burton Land, now facing additional charges related to his recent escape, including escape while arrested/confined and burglary of a building. The escape charge is a third-degree felony, while the burglary charge is a state jail felony, as per court records.
JC Lee Kirby, the second inmate who escaped from the Bi State Jail, was booked into the facility in December 2022 after being arrested for a parole violation, according to jail records.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Bowie County Sheriff's Office, are actively searching for both escapees and have urged the public to report any information regarding their whereabouts. Residents are advised not to approach the individuals as they may pose a potential danger.
If you know the whereabouts of either of these two persons, please contact 911 or the Bowie County Sheriff’s office at 903.798.3149.
