Kentucky State Police search for reportedly escaped inmate in Lexington

Kentucky State Police are conducting an active search for 41-year-old Ronshaune Simmons, an inmate who reportedly escaped from the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, according to LEX18.

The reported escape centers on Blackburn Correctional Complex, a Lexington facility where Simmons is described as being housed prior to the incident. LEX18 reported that KSP is actively working the case as authorities try to locate Simmons.

LEX18’s report characterizes Simmons as an inmate who escaped, but it does not provide additional confirmed details in the initial coverage about how the escape occurred or when it was discovered. The lack of those specifics means the exact timeline has not been publicly established in the reporting provided.

KSP’s search effort, as described by LEX18, is part of the immediate response to a reported breach of custody, with public safety the key priority for state and local authorities. In cases like this, investigators typically focus on locating the missing individual and determining what, if any, security procedures may have been compromised, LEX18 said.

No additional information was included in the report provided about whether Simmons should be considered armed, whether there were injuries, or whether law enforcement believes the escape was connected to any other incidents. Authorities also have not said publicly in the coverage provided what immediate steps the public should take beyond the existence of the search.

The Blackburn Correctional Complex escape report also raises questions about custody monitoring and facility security practices. However, until more information is released by KSP or the correctional system, the underlying cause of the reported escape remains unconfirmed in the information available.

LEX18 reported the case as an active search by KSP as of June 20, 2026. Further updates would be expected if Simmons is located, if authorities confirm the circumstances of the escape, or if additional charges or administrative actions follow from the incident.