Texas Inmate Attempts Escape From Prison, Thwarted by AR-15

A prisoner at the T.L. Roach Unit in Childress, Texas attempted to escape yesterday, according to a officials with Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

Authorities say that the jailbreak attempt occurred at 4:15 am, April 9, 2024. The inmate, 35-year-old Andrew Franklin, had just finished his breakfast and departed the chow hall when he reportedly make a break for it.

Franklin ran towards the perimeter fencing and was in the midst of climbing the fence when he was spotted by a sharp-eyed guard, Cody Cabler.

Cabler, 24, acted quickly to prevent Franklin's escape by firing a single round from his AR-15 at the inmate climbing the fence.

Read More: Texas Prison Escapees Who Have Never Been Found

In an outcome where Officer Cabler is either a very good shot or a lousy one, the inmate was not struck by the bullet. Responding officers were able to restrain Franklin, who was likely momentarily stunned by his close call with a rifle found.

The non-lethal shot by Officer Cabler, who has been with TDCJ for close to two years, was praised by the prison official's top brass.

“Officer Cabler spotted this inmate from several hundred yards away," said TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier. "Without hesitation, he sprang into action, using his training and intuition to thwart the fleeing inmate."

The inmate, Andrew Franklin, was convicted in Lubbock County of possession of a cocaine with intent to deliver (2-400 grams) and manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance (4-200 grams). He was sentenced to 50 years on both counts and was received by TDCJ in 2007.

Prison officials say that Franklin now has pending felony attempted escape charges.