Police capture one escapee; two others remain at large

Authorities apprehended Benny Ray Blansett, 59, Saturday at a Sunflower County roadblock.

Police returned two-time escapee Benny Ray Blansett to Parchman.

Two other escapees, Jonathan Blankenship, 31, and Christopher Benson High. 28, both from the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County, remain at large. and are considered armed and dangerous.

Blansett escaped from Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman Friday, and has been returned to that facility. He now faces an escape charge in addition to the numerous felonies that had him incarcerated already. According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections website, Blansett’s convictions include aggravated assault on a police officer, multiple forgery counts and another escape.

Fugitives Blankenship and High also escaped Friday. Blankenship was convicted of aggravated assault on a police officer and conspiracy to commit a crime in Alcorn County and was serving five years. High was convicted of burglary/larceny of an unoccupied dwelling in Carroll County and was serving a 12 years.

Jonathan Blankenship, 31, and Christopher Benson High. 28, remain at large after their escape Friday..

Law enforcement is asking for help in apprehending the two fugitives. MDOC has posted rewards for information leading to the arrests of Blankenship and High of up to $12,500. The FBI is offering $10,000 and the Mississippi Crime Stoppers up to $2,500.

If you see Blankenship and High, please call MDOC at 662-745-6611, ext. 4200, Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477), the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) at 601-987-1530, or contact your nearest law enforcement agency.