The search for Britt Privatte was scaled back by nighttime Tuesday, but patrols are still in the area responding to tips from many residents who believe they saw the former inmate.
Privatte has been on the run since Sunday, March 17 after scaling a fence at the Montgomery County Jail. He was serving time for aggravated robbery and burglary.
The bright light of a full moon helps but neighbors in River Plantation will tell you a lot more outdoor lights were on Tuesday night, too.
"I have not seen him and I hope I don't," neighbor Jeff Ambrose said.
It began hours earlier at a home on Holly Springs. The homeowner says a man believed to be Privatte rang the doorbell twice. The homeowner's ill mother was upstairs but didn't answer the door. She says a man broke in through the garage and came into the home before he saw her there. She called police.
"Just crazy, helicopters, cops all over. Crazy day," Ambrose said.
The possible sighting created quite a stir.
"We just seen all them pull up here and that's when we came out just to look," neighbor Tony Morgan said.
Privatte has been missing for more than a week. He was being held on aggravated robbery charges when he escaped from the recreation area in the Montgomery County Jail with the assistance of other inmates.
The initial manhunt led deputies through thick brush and wooded areas.
"There's a lot of country in this area," Morgan said.
They found themselves there again on Tuesday.
"There's a lot of places to hide around here, you never know," Ambrose said.
Except families live there too, so there may be a lot of tossing and turning under the full moon.
"We ain't going to be able to sleep tonight," Morgan said.
"I'll remember the face if I see him," Ambrose said.
Many neighbors said they began prepping their guns after they heard about the search.
If you spot Privatte or have information that can help authorities locate him, you are urged to call Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 800-392-STOP. Anonymous tips can also be made through the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers website at
MontgomeryCountyCrimeStoppers.org. The reward for information leading to his capture has been increased to $5,000.
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