On September 20, 2024, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department received a request for assistance from the Lauderdale, Mississippi Sheriff’s Department. They were looking for a missing individual who was also a fugitive wanted for sexual battery. The individual had been reported missing since September 11, 2024, and their vehicle had been towed by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper on September 16, 2024, after being abandoned at a rest area.
Grundy County Sheriff’s Detectives and THP Troopers searched the area but were unable to find the subject.
The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department summoned and dispatched a K-9 team to Monteagle Mountain. The Rhea County cadaver-trained K-9s swiftly located the missing person in a neighboring wooded area. The Monteagle and Sewanee fire departments responded and retrieved the body across tough terrain. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance of Tennessee Highway Patrol and their CID unit, Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, Monteagle Police, Monteagle Fire and Rescue, Sewanee Fire and Rescue, Grundy County EMS, Constable Collins, 12th Judicial District Attorney, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, and Grundy County 911.
On the evening of September 20, 2024, Charles “Rusty” Campbell climbed the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department’s recreation fence. He jumped over the barbed wire barrier and collapsed to the ground. He then fled on foot, running towards Northcutt’s Cove area.
Campbell stormed into a home in Northcutt’s Cove and assaulted two elderly people. Authorities discovered Campbell in the woods near Altamont Cemetery.
Campbell stole a blue bike during the escape. If you can identify this bicycle, please call the Sheriff’s Office.
Allegations against Campbell include felony escape, aggravated burglary, and two charges of elderly harm. The Tennessee Department of Corrections is currently transferring Campbell, awaiting his trial date.
Thanks to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Franklin County EMA, Constable Kyle Collins, Monteagle Fire and Rescue, the 12th Judicial District Attorney, and local residents.
