Georgia Prison Escapees Captured After Tennessee Gunfight

PUTNAM COUNTY, GA — Two Georgia inmates described as "dangerous beyond description" were captured Thursday after a gun battle with Tennessee authorities, the Department of Corrections said via Twitter at about 8 p.m. Thursday. The search began on Tuesday, when authorities say the pair killed two corrections officers and escaped during a prison transport.

Earlier in the day law enforcement officials involved in the massive manhunt said the duo had stolen a second vehicle after ditching a Honda officials said they carjacked moments after escaping.

The inmates were reportedly spotted in Shelbyville, Tennessee, after they broke into a house, tied up the elderly couple inside and took off with their Jeep, authorities said. A 10-mile chase ensued, the Jeep crashed and a brief gun battle ended when the convicts fled into nearby woods.

When they ended up in a homeowner's yard, they found themselves being held at gunpoint by two neighbors until police arrived.

Gov. Nathan Deal thanked law enforcement officials for capturing the inmates.

“Rest assured, justice will be served," he said in a news release. "My sincere thanks to our local, state and federal law enforcement officers who assisted in the manhunt. Because of their tireless efforts, the public is safe. The pain endured by the families and loved ones of Sergeant Christopher Monica and Sergeant Curtis Billue endures, however. We will do everything in our power to support their loved ones, and we will not forget their sacrifice and service.”

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Patch's Earlier Story:

Rowe, a bearded felon serving life without parole, and Dubose, who has tattoos on his face and neck, were able to disarm and kill Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue early Tuesday, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills told reporters during a news conference. He said the inmates took the guards' 9mm guns and should be considered extremely dangerous. “They just murdered two corrections officers in a brutal fashion,” Sills said. “They’re not concerned with anything regarding human life.”

»Read more: 2 Georgia Inmates On The Run In 'Heinous' Killings

“We are still desperately looking for these two individuals. They are armed with 9mm pistols that were taken from these correctional officers. They are dangerous beyond description. If anyone sees them or comes into contact, they need to call 911 immediately,” Sills said.

Late Wednesday, authorities boosted the reward leading to the inmates capture to $130,000. Authorities said the two repeat offenders were at one time cellmates and may have plotted the attack for some time.

Gov. Nathan Deal said finding the inmates is the state's top priority.

“Today, two families lost everything in a heinous and senseless act of violence perpetrated at the hands of cowards,” Deal said in a statement Tuesday. “Words do not adequately express our sorrow in losing Sergeant Christopher Monica and Sergeant Curtis Billue in the line of duty. The selflessness and courage of these two brave souls will not be forgotten, nor will their sacrifice and service. "

Putnam officials are urging anyone with information pertaining to this case to call the Putnam Sheriff's Office at 706-485-8557 or the FBI Atlanta Field Office at 706-679-9000.

Watch: Georgia Manhunt: $115,000 Reward

»Images of Donnie Russell Rowe and Ricky Dubose courtesy of Georgia Department of Corrections