By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

A Cassville police officer has received a “Letter of Commendation” for his efforts in capturing three escapees from the Barry County jail on June 1.

According to the letter, when Officer Devin McCormack was notified of the seven inmates escaping the jail, he responded immediately to the area, locating a possible escapee on foot and giving chase in his patrol vehicle.

After parking behind the old Memories building, McCormack continued the chase on foot, catching up with two inmates in the bed of Flat Creek.

McCormack drew his taser and ordered the inmates down, with one complying and the second continuing to flee. McCormack deployed his taser, which struck the inmate and caused him to pause briefly, then run out of sight.

McCormack relinquished the first inmate to another Cassville officer up on the street, then continued the pursuit, locating the second inmate about 15 feet from where the taser deployed.

McCormack then traveled on foot to the Cassville schools bus barn, and after locating wet footprints and hearing a disturbance in the brush, he apprehended the third inmate.

“Office McCormack, you have demonstrated exemplary conduct and provided a valuable public safety service to the citizens of Cassville,” said Donnie Privett, interim chief of police, in the letter of commendation. “Thank you for your swift response and judicious actions.”

Privett added the three inmates were captured over a span of 28 minutes.