Henderson, Kentucky, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Authorities are actively searching for Timothy A. Oliver, a 53-year-old inmate who escaped from the Henderson County Detention Center. Oliver, serving time for third-degree burglary, fled during a bicycle repair activity. He was last seen wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, and may have changed outfits before stealing a bicycle. Law enforcement is conducting an extensive search and urging residents to report any sightings.
Henderson, Kentucky – A search operation is currently underway for escaped inmate Timothy A. Oliver, who fled from the Henderson County Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 1:15 p.m. The 53-year-old was serving a sentence for third-degree burglary and managed to escape while helping to repair bicycles for the Salvation Army alongside two other inmates.
Oliver is described as a white male, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of his escape, he was wearing blue jeans, a gray shirt emblazoned with “Trustee,” and a ball cap. Reports indicate he may also have changed into a tan or orange outfit before his disappearance. After escaping, he stole one of the bicycles being repaired, which was later discovered abandoned south of the jail.
An on-duty deputy was present during the escape but was unable to apprehend Oliver as he fled. Authorities including the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Henderson Police Department (HPD), and the county’s sheriff’s office are actively searching for him, utilizing K9 units and drones. A public safety alert has been issued, requesting that anyone with information regarding Oliver’s whereabouts contact local law enforcement or KSP Post 16 at 270-826-3312.
Residents in the area have been advised to remain vigilant, locking their doors and reporting any suspicious activity. As a precautionary measure, schools in Henderson County briefly went into lockdown but have since lifted the restrictions. Law enforcement officials are continuing their search, focusing on leads between the jail and Ohio Drive, where a trail was tracked by K9 units.
This is not the first time Oliver has escaped custody. He has a documented history of evading authorities, with prior incidents occurring in 2003, 2013, and 2018, indicating a pattern of escape attempts. His original charges leading to the current sentence were not specified; however, records show he had previously been arrested for burglary charges in September 2024.
Oliver’s most recent booking photo depicted him with bleached hair, which may have grown out to a darker shade since his escape. Authorities continue to explore all available leads in hopes of capturing him promptly and safely.
FAQ
When did Timothy A. Oliver escape from the detention center?
Timothy A. Oliver escaped from the Henderson County Detention Center on Tuesday at approximately 1:15 p.m.
What was Timothy A. Oliver in jail for?
Oliver was serving a sentence for third-degree burglary.
What are the authorities doing to find Oliver?
The Kentucky State Police, Henderson Police Department, and the Sheriff’s office are involved in the search efforts, using K9 units and drones. They have issued a public safety alert for anyone with information about his whereabouts.
What precautions should residents take due to the escape?
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, keep their doors locked, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Has Timothy A. Oliver escaped before?
Yes, Oliver has a history of escaping custody, with prior escape incidents occurring in 2003, 2013, and 2018.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inmate Name | Timothy A. Oliver |
| Age | 53 years |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Weight | 200 pounds |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Last Seen Outfit | Blue jeans, gray shirt with “Trustee,” ball cap |
| Date of Escape | Tuesday afternoon, approximately 1:15 p.m. |
| Current Status | At large, search ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- 14 News
- Wikipedia: Prison Escape
- Courier & Press
- Google Search: Timothy A. Oliver escaped
- Fox 56 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Escape
- 14 News – Schools Lockdown
- Google News: Henderson County inmate escape
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