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By Hollie Silverman
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Two inmates who escaped a North Carolina jail on June 3 were captured by law enforcement early Tuesday, according to the FBI.
In a post on X, the agency said 33-year-old Michael Lewis Miles Jr. and 21-year-old Lishawn Knott were caught around 12:20 a.m. at a home in Asheville, North Carolina, about 260 miles away from the detention center they escaped in Vance County.
"Leads generated by the investigative team during the joint Vance County Sheriff's Office, FBI, SBI, Henderson Police Department investigation led to their capture, in coordination with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office," the FBI said on X, adding, "The investigation into their escape on June 3, 2026, and their movements afterward are still under investigation."
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The pair had been the subject of a multiagency manhunt since their escape, with authorities offering up to $40,000 for information leading to their capture.
The pair was seen in surveillance video shared by authorities, apparently sprinting down the detention center's hallway, allegedly moments before making their escape.
It was not immediately clear when the pair would make court appearances or if they had legal representation.
Alleged Coordinated Escape With Outside Assistance
Investigators have said they think the breakout was planned.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said that evidence suggests the men were picked up by waiting vehicles nearby and continued to evade capture with the help of an outside network.
"We know they planned their escape in advance," Brame said in a video statement shared to social media following the escape. "They were picked up nearby, and they're being helped while they are on the move."
While acknowledging public demand for updates, Brame noted that specific operational details had to be withheld to safeguard the integrity of the investigation. "I know you want to hear details about the manhunt, but we can't talk about what we are doing. We don't want Miles and Knott to hear what we know about their movements," he said.
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What Were Miles Jr. and Knott Charged With?
Officials said that both Miles Jr. and Knott were being held on multiple drug trafficking and gun-related charges at the time of their escape.
Data from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Public Information shows Knott had been previously charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury and had a parole date ending in March 2026.
Miles Jr.'s record on the website shows charges for breaking and entering, common law robbery, larceny of dogs, possession of firearm by a felon and assault.
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Regional Search Strategy
Because Vance County borders Virginia and sits roughly 60 miles north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the search had expanded across state lines and the FBI joined local and state law enforcement agencies to coordinate the pursuit.
To aid the search, digital billboards featuring the fugitives' photos were deployed across North Carolina and a $40,000 reward pool was funded jointly by law enforcement agencies and Crime Stoppers.
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