The search for two Vance County inmates has stretched into a third day. One of the leads for investigators: surveillance video showing Michael Miles and Lishawn Knott running through part of the jail.

A former employee of the jail tells WRAL Investigates that the video revealed some red flags.

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“Where they ran from, that gate is normally closed,” Althenia Latty Amakeze said. “For them to be able to come through that door, it would have to be the booth operator [to] open it, or staff left that door open.”

Latty Amakeze worked at the Vance County Jail in 2024. She said she worked there for less than a month due to safety concerns.

“I don't think that jail needs to be open,” Latty Amakeze said.

WRAL Investigates has reported on the unsafe conditions and understaffing at the jail for years. The county is currently renovating the jail, as leaders work towards opening a new facility.

Latty Amakeze said she believes the surveillance video was captured near the kitchen area.

“My first reaction was, ‘How did they even get out of the cell block?’” she recounted.

A current employee, who spoke to WRAL Investigates under the condition of anonymity, also said they believe the video was captured between the housing area and the kitchen.

At this point, it’s still not clear how the inmates escaped. WRAL Investigates asked the sheriff:

·  Do you believe any employees were involved?

·  Do you have any concerns about the supervision in the jail?

We did not immediately hear back.

“I can’t say for sure that staff was behind it, but [it] could be new staff forgetting to shut doors, new staff walking ahead of the inmate, and not realizing,” another employee, who spoke to WRAL Investigates under the condition of anonymity, said.

Latty Amakeze now advocates for detention and correction officers – from better pay to better workplace conditions. She said she hopes this situation opens the door to change.

“The community needs to be safe; officers need to be safe; the inmates need to be safe,” Latty Amakeze said. “We need to come together and find a solution that is going to be beneficial to all the community, the inmates, the staff, everyone. It is needed urgently.”

Law enforcement is offering a reward of up to $40,000 for information leading to their arrests.

Officers say you should should not approach them, if you see them. Instead, call 911.