TDCJ News

Attempted Prison Escape Thwarted by Correctional Officer

On April 9, 2024, at 4:15 a.m., 24-year-old Cody Cabler, a correctional officer with 44 months of service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), prevented an escape attempt from the Roach Unit in Childress, Texas.

Inmate Andrew Franklin, 35, attempted to escape after finishing his breakfast in the chow hall. Franklin bolted towards the perimeter fencing and proceeded to climb the fence when he was spotted by Cabler working the picket. After assessing the situation, Cabler acted quickly and fired a single round from his AR-15, stopping the escape.

Franklin was not struck by the bullet and was restrained by responding officers.

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

Inmate Franklin was received by TDCJ in 2007 to serve two 50-year sentences for possession of a cocaine with intent to deliver (2-400 grams) and manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance (4-200 grams), both out of Lubbock County. Felony attempted escape charges are pending against Franklin.

For more information, media should e-mail Amanda Hernandez at amanda.hernandez@tdcj.texas.gov.